Technoeconomic analysis of solar PV electrification to remote areas of Dera Ghazi Khan: A case study

Abstract

With the increase in population at an immense rate, electricity demand is growing exponentially. Researchers and policymakers are seeking alternating means of power generation to meet the load demand. These resources should be cost-effective, environmentally friendly and least carbon emissions. To mitigate the load demand Renewable Energy Sources (RES) are integrated into electrical networks. In this work, an off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) system is designed for rural areas of Dera Ghazi Khan (DG Khan), Pakistan. These areas often lack access to reliable grid power. Installing PV systems in these areas can help provide a reliable source of electricity, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and improve living conditions. This case study is simulated using PVsyst 7.2. of Roonghan village such as hospitals, shops, and residential houses for techno-economic analysis of off-grid solar PV. The economic viability shows that installing off-grid solar PV in DG Khan is much cheaper. The electricity taken from the grid that's almost 80.01%is expensive. This case study helps other researchers and policymakers to mitigate the electricity requirement of remote areas located far away from the national grid. To install a transmission line, having cost $26.98 corer but using an off-grid to provide electricity to the same area is $2.16 corer. Additionally, it integrates Battery Energy Storage (BES) with Renewable Energy Sources (RES) to achieve a 5 % annual energy cost reduction and enhanced self-sufficiency, filling a gap in existing literature.