Feasibility study of the grid connected 10 MW installed capacity PV power plants in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The study presents technical, environmental and economic aspects for the selection of viable sites for constructing 10MW installed capacity grid connected photovoltaic power plants in Saudi Arabia. Available photovoltaic modules are analyzed and one is chosen for the analysis. Meteorological data like global solar radiation, sunshine duration, dry bulb temperature, and relative humidity was used to conduct the feasibility analysis using RETScreen software in terms of energy production, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and financial parameters for the 44 sites. Bisha is found to be the best site for the installation of 10MW installed capacity grid connected photovoltaic power plant due to highest solar radiation intensity and longer sunshine duration. Both of these factors contribute to higher energy yield and less GHG emissions. On the lower extreme, Sulayel is found to be generating minimum energy from the same installed capacity of PV panels. Finally, it is recommended to commence constructing large grid-connected photovoltaic plant at Bisha with 70% government grant because the electricity export rate in Saudi Arabia is 72.57% cheaper than global price.