Feasibility of a 40kWp Grid-Connected Solar Power Plant in Tiaret, Algeria:
Design, Simulation, and Smart Grid Integration
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51646/jsesd.v13i2.327Keywords:
Solar power plant, Grid-connected photovoltaic system, Solar energy generation, Smart Grid integration, Photovoltaic system design, Solar power simulation.Abstract
This study evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of a 40kWp grid-connected solar power plant in Tiaret, Algeria. Utilizing comprehensive solar irradiance data and advanced PV system software, we designed and simulated the plant's performance under local conditions. Our analysis incorporates smart grid integration strategies and economic modeling. Results indicate an annual electricity generation of approximately 68,000 kWh, with a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 0.12 USD/kWh and an estimated payback period of 5 years. The plant demonstrates a performance ratio of 0.759, reflecting its efficiency under real-world conditions. These findings suggest that grid-connected solar power plants are not only technically viable but also economically attractive in Algeria. The study provides critical insights for policymakers, investors, and engineers, offering a replicable model for assessing and implementing solar projects in similar emerging markets across North Africa and beyond.
Downloads
Metrics
References
M. Karimi, H. Mokhlis, K. Naidu, S. Uddin, and A.H.A. Bakar, "Photovoltaic penetration issues and impacts in distribution network – A review," Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 53, pp. 594-605, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.08.042. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.08.042
A. Boudghene Stambouli, Z. Khiat, S. Flazi, and Y. Kitamura, "A review on the renewable energy development in Algeria: Current perspective, energy scenario and sustainability issues," Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 16, n. 7, pp. 4445-4460, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2012.04.031. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2012.04.031
M. Gürtürk, "Economic feasibility of solar power plants based on PV module with levelized cost analysis," Energy, vol.171, pp. 866-878, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2019.01.090. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2019.01.090
I. Colak, S. Sagiroglu, G. Fulli, M. Yesilbudak, and C. Covrig, "A Survey on the Critical Issues in Smart Grid Technologies," Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 54, pp. 396–405, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.10.036. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.10.036
A. Jäger-Waldau, "Snapshot of Photovoltaics," Energies, vol.12, n. 5, p. 769, 2019. https://doi.org/10.3390/en12050769. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en12050769
Kazem, H. A. Kazem, and M. T. Chaichan, "Effect of environmental variables on photovoltaic performance-based on experimental studies," International Journal of Civil, Mechanical and Energy Science (IJCMES), vol. 2, n. 4, pp. 1-8, 2016, https://doi.org/10.22161/ijcmes. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22161/ijcmes
T. Khatib, A. Mohamed, and K. Sopian, "A review of photovoltaic systems size optimization techniques," Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 22, pp. 454-465, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2013.02.023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2013.02.023
Dolara, A. Dolara et al., "Experimental investigation of partial shading scenarios on PV (photovoltaic) modules," Energy, vol. 15, pp. 466-475, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2013.04.009. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2013.04.009
S. Chattopadhyay, and C. Chakraborty, "Photovoltaic central inverters: Performance evaluation and comparative assessment," IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1109/IECON.2017.8217118. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/IECON.2017.8217118
Y, Lu, R. Chang, and S. Lim, "Crowdfunding for solar Photovoltaics development: A review and forecast," Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 93, pp. 439-450, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.05.049. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.05.049
A. Ghosh, "Potential of building integrated and attached/applied photovoltaic (BIPV/BAPV) for adaptive less energy-hungry building’s skin: A comprehensive review," Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 276, p. 123343, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.123343. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.123343
Baurzhan, S. Baurzhan, and G. P. Jenkins, "Off-grid solar PV: Is it an affordable or appropriate solution for rural electrification in Sub-Saharan African countries?," Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 60, pp. 1405-1418, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.03.016. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.03.016
Green, M. Green et al., "Solar cell efficiency tables," Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, vol. 29, pp. 3-15, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1002/pip.3371. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pip.3371
Fthenakis, V. M. Fthenakis, and H.C. Kim, "Photovoltaics: Life-cycle analyses," Solar Energy, vol. 85, n. 8, pp. 1609-1628, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2009.10.002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2009.10.002
S. Zhang et al., "Interactions between renewable energy policy and renewable energy industrial policy: A critical analysis of China's policy approach to renewable energies," Energy Policy, vol. 62, n. 8, pp. 342-353, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2013.07.063. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2013.07.063
Kabir, E. Kabir, P. Kumar, S. Kumar, A. A. Adelodun, and K. H. Kim, "Solar Energy: Potential and Future Prospects," Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 82, pp. 894-900, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.09.094. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.09.094
A. Shahsavari, and M. Akbari, "Potential of solar energy in developing countries for reducing energy-related emissions," Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 90, pp. 275-291, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.065. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.065
Sampaio, P. G. V. Sampaio, and M. O. A. González, "Photovoltaic solar energy: Conceptual framework," Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 74, pp. 590-601, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.02.081. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.02.081
S. Teske, and G. Masson, "Solar generation 6. Solar photovoltaic electricity empowering the world," European Photovoltaic Industry Association EPIA, Renewable Energy House, 2011.
Electric Power Research Institute, "Solar Photovoltaics: Status, Costs, and Trends," 2009.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Solar Energy and Sustainable Development Journal
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.