Abstract
The off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) system is a significant step towards electrification in the remote rural regions, and it is the most convenient and easy to install technology. However, the strategic problem is in identifying the potential of solar energy and the economic viability in particular regions. This study, therefore, addresses this problem by evaluating the solar energy potential and economic viability for the remote rural regions of the Sindh province, Pakistan. The results recommended that the rural regions of Sindh have suitable solar irradiance to generate electricity. An appropriate tilt angle has been computed for the selected rural regions, which significantly enhances the generation capacity of solar energy. Moreover, economic viability has been undertaken in this study and it was revealed that the off-grid solar PV power generation system provides electricity at the cost of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 6.87/kWh and is regarded as much cheaper than conventional energy sources, i.e., around PKR 20.79/kWh. Besides, the off-grid solar PV power generation system could mitigate maximum CO2 annually on the condition that all of the selected remote rural regions adopt the off-grid solar PV system. Therefore, this study shall help the government to utilize the off-grid solar PV power generation system in the remote rural regions of Pakistan.
Highlights
Electricity is the main source for economic, environmental, and social growth of any country.Electricity is considered to be an ideal invention of humankind and has brought a lot of changes in human lives and society
The most important step before implementing and utilizing a solar PV system is the determination of the available solar energy in the considered region [57]
An off-grid solar PV system is recognized as the optimal choice to provide electricity in remote rural regions
Summary
Electricity is the main source for economic, environmental, and social growth of any country.Electricity is considered to be an ideal invention of humankind and has brought a lot of changes in human lives and society. Electricity is the main source for economic, environmental, and social growth of any country. A large proportion of Pakistan are living in rural regions, and the majority of them do not have access to electricity. Pakistan is a developing country facing economic, environmental, and social development challenges which have led the country to an increased power demand. The condition of the remote rural regions of Sindh is very bad, where electricity remains inaccessible for many days. Sindh province holds strategic importance due to its long coastal. The location of the Sindh province holds strategic importance due to its long coastal line, The Karachi. The geographical location of the very route to the neighboring countries for transferring cargo. The geographical location of the port port is is very significant, significant, it it has has attracted attracted foreign foreign investment, investment, development development projects, projects, and and overall overall contributes contributes to to both business and economic growth [27]
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