Techno-economic analysis of hybrid photovoltaic/diesel/battery off-grid system in northern Nigeria

The rate of dependence on stand-alone diesel generator for individual electricity generation among households in Nigeria is geometrically increasing and has thus led to significant increase of the environment pollution. This is due to the inability of the utility company to meet the energy demand of its yearning consumers due to ageing and limitations in power infrastructures. This has led to about 40% of the country's population been cut off from the national grid. In view of these hazardous effects posed from the usage of these individual diesel-powered generations, this paper reports on the assessment of techno-economic viability of a hybrid photovoltaic diesel/battery off-grid system as an alternative solution to these threats. For that purpose, a remote area located far in the northern part of Nigeria was taken as the case study in which an international institution with peak demand of 90kW was considered. The HOMER optimization software is used to evaluate both the technical and economic viability of the proposed energy system by taking into account the variations of both the solar radiation and diesel prices, as experienced in most part of Nigeria. The study reveals the potential capability of the hybrid photovoltaic/diesel energy system with battery backup as a good alternative energy source for individual household replacement for diesel-powered generator. In addition, the proposed system is of high energy potential as well as low carbon emission at affordable cost of electricity. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.