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Cited by 21Photovoltaic Systems and SustainabilityPower Systems and Renewable EnergyPhotovoltaic System Optimization Techniques

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Techno-economic feasibility analyses of grid- connected solar photovoltaic power plants for small scale industries of Punjab, Pakistan

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Ahmad, Monib, Khattak, Abraiz, Kashif Janjua, Abdul, Alahmadi, Ahmad Aziz, Salman Khan, Muhammad, Ullah, Nasim·2022·Frontiers in Energy Research
DOI 10.3389/fenrg.2022.1028310
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Abstract

The globally soaring energy prices and electricity shortfall are major hurdles in the economic development of Pakistan. To cope with periodic power outages, small and medium enterprise (SME) business owners have to fall back on alternate power sources such as backup generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which further increase the per kWh cost of electricity, power quality issues, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. On the contrary, grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are not only economical and sustainable but support the national power grid to mitigate environmental emissions. This study aims to investigate and compare the techno-economic viability of grid-connected solar photovoltaic power plants for the manufacturing SME sector in four different districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Based on the technical, financial, and environmental indicators, a detailed techno-economic, sensitivity, and GHG emission analysis is conducted using RETScreen Expert software. The research findings clearly show that the proposed solar PV projects for all four locations are technically, financially, and environmentally viable, however, Sargodha as compared to other sites is the most feasible location with the highest capacity factor of 17.8 %, highest internal rate of return 14.9 %, lowest payback period 7.7 years, and least levelized cost of electricity 8.5 ¢/kWh. For validation, the simulation results are compared with performance metrics from PV plants erected in various parts of the world. Applying the same research approach to the whole industrial sector of Punjab recommends adding 13,469 MW of PV capacity to satisfy the industry’s 20446.21 GWh annual energy consumption and to cut emissions by 90,17,581 t CO2 per year. This research work presents guidelines for researchers to evaluate the feasibility of suitable PV technologies for the SME sector thereby helping investors to have a holistic view of potential investment zones.

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Metadata

Authors
Ahmad, M., Khattak, A., Kashif Janjua, A., Alahmadi, A. A., Salman Khan, M., & Ullah, N.
Affiliations
  • US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy (PK)
  • Taif University (SA)
Corresponding author
Khattak, Abraiz
ORCID
Venue
Frontiers in Energy Research
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Published
2022-11-14
Volume
10
ISSN
2296-598X (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3389/fenrg.2022.1028310
OpenAlex
W4308971908
Cited by
21
References
48
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 3
FWCI
1.06
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Frontiers in Energy Research (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Taif University
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Photovoltaic Systems and Sustainability
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Energy Engineering and Power Technology › Power Systems and Renewable Energy
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Photovoltaic System Optimization Techniques
Keywords
grid-connected photovoltaic systems, techno-economic feasibility, small and medium-sized enterprises, industrial electricity demand, Punjab, Pakistan, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, levelized cost of electricity, payback period, capacity factor, RETScreen, renewable energy investment, power outages

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