Abstract
In this paper, a comparative assessment and ranking of the solar photovoltaic (PV) generation potential and unit cost of energy in ten Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Akwa Ibom State (AKS), Nigeria is presented. The meteorological data used in this study was obtained from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Surface meteorology and Solar Energy (NASA SSE) website. Photovoltaic System (PVSyst.) simulation software, (Version 5.06) was used for the simulation and determination of the PV energy generation potential and unit cost of energy in each of the LGAs considered. The unit cost of energy in Naira/kWh and available energy per year (in kWh) are the two major parameters used to rank the LGAs from the top to bottom. A mathematical model relating the unit cost of energy and available energy in AKS is also developed. From the simulation results, Uyo LGA had the highest yearly energy output of 12422 kWh and lowest unit cost of energy of 104 Naira/kWh, while Uruan LGA had the lowest yearly energy output of 10591 kWh and highest unit cost of energy of 114 Naira/kWh. The results from this research are relevant for facilitating investment and adoption of photovoltaic power systems in AKS and to make realistic economic projections.
Highlights
Renewable energy sources are increasingly becoming significant owing to huge demand for energy and the hazardous effects of fossil fuel [1, 2, 3]
The results presented in the paper shows the solar energy potential for selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Akwa Ibom State (AKS)
It can be concluded that Akwa Ibom state has the solar potential to generate electricity for both domestic and commercial purposes
Summary
Renewable energy sources are increasingly becoming significant owing to huge demand for energy and the hazardous effects of fossil fuel [1, 2, 3]. The fossil fuel-based energy sources are not renewable. The depletion of fossil fuel resources on a worldwide basis has necessitated urgent search for alternative energy sources to meet the present day energy demands. The urgent need to promote alternative and renewable sources of energy across the globe and especially in Nigeria with perennial power generation shortage cannot be over emphasized. Alternative and renewable energy approach is inevitable, given the fact that the biomass based fuels are increasingly becoming environmentally harmful, and this affects the ecological system. The solar energy resource is one of the best energy alternatives and that is why it has become the focus of this paper [6, 7]
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