Integrating Photovoltaic Systems As An Alternative Energy Supply In Nigeria: Prospects And Challenges

This article explains explicitly, how Photo-voltaic (PV) Systems can be used to either replace or supplement Hydroelectricity in Nigeria and other countries. It also explains how to integrate, build or set up PV solar systems in houses offices and industries.

Article Content

•    Introduction
•    Power Sector Review
•    PV Solar technology
•    Basic Components
•    Applications
•    Recent Trends
•    Prospects
•    Case Studies
•    Challenges
•    Conclusion
•    Q & A

Click the link to download the PDF copy of  this article for free: INTEGRATING PHOTOVOLTAIC (PVC) SYSTEMS AS AN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SUPPLY IN NIGERIA: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

See Also: How to Use Solar Energy to Power Base Stations

See Also: How to Implement Control Systems

Power Generating Plants in Nigeria

The pie-chart in the figure below shows the proportion of various oil producing plants in Nigeria.

Current Capacity: June, 2015:

i.    Generation: 3,981.30MW
ii.    Peak Demand Forecast: 15,000

Fuel Oil/ Coal Power Stations

•    Egbin Electric Power Business Unit,
•    Afam Electric Power Business Unit,
•    Delta Electric Power Business Unit,
•    Shiroro Electric Power Business Unit,
•    Jebba Hydro Power Station,
•    Shiroro Hydro Power Business Unit,
•    Kainji Hydro Power Station

Gas Turbine Power Stations

•    Afam, Sapele and Delta Power

Hydro Power Stations

•    Jebba, Kainji & Shiroro

Thermal Power Station

•    Egbin

Energy Consumption indices of various Nations (Electricity consumption per Capital).

The chart below shows the summary of the electricity consumption for various nations:

World Energy Generation Projection (2000 -2050)

The chart below shows the projected world energy generation project between 2000 to 2050:

“Nigeria has the opportunity to a cleaner path than oil and can create a renewable energy path that lead to great investments and job opportunities in the power sector…It is also important that as a young, developing nation, Nigeria should protect its environment by taking full advantage of renewable energy and become a pacesetter in renewable energy in Africa.”

- Bill Richardson, Former United States’ Secretary for Energy 

PV Solar Technology

The figure below shows the PV technology and how it can be harnessed.

Small – Medium Scale Applications

The various small to medium scale applications of PV Solar Technology are shown in the figure below.

Large Scale Applications

The various large scale applications of PV Solar Technology are shown in the figure below.

Recent Trends

•    Efficiency 

     19.5 poly crystalline

     35.8% Triple-Junction Technology

     43.5% Multi-Junction Concentrator Cells

•    Growth 

     2013 – 139GW 38% (up from 40GW in 2010)

     (Germany – 36GW; China – 20GW; USA – 10GW)

•    Economics 

     Reduced Cost: $76.67 in 1977 - $0.70 in 2014

     Flexible Financing Mechanisms (PPA, Leases, etc.)

     Attractive Incentive Structure (F.I.T, Tax breaks, Subsidies, etc.)

•    Forecast

Prospects

•    Relative Availability (122PetaWatts)
•    Grid Expansion Complexities
•    Long life span
•    Flexible maintenance plan.
•    Environmentally friendly.
•    Decline in cost with improved R&D.
•    Improved Efficiency and Reliability
•    Easy Installation and Expansion
•    Increasing Renewable Energy F.D.I

     Skypower 3GW

     Power Africa $2.1GW

     Canadian & German Governments

Enormous potential for growth in the Sub-Saharan Africa power sector

The chart below gives the summary of the percentage of Africa’s population without electricity.

•    600M people without power = 100M connections
•    40% addressable by private utilities = 40M connections
•    $4B – $7B annual market opportunity

Challenges Facing PV Solar Technology

•    High Initial Cost
•    Poor/ unrealistic Government Incentive Scheme
•    Uncoordinated Regulation & Policies
•    Sabotage
•    Poor Awareness
•    Unprofessional Practices
•    Lack of Skilled Manpower
•    Poor Data Management

GVE’s Rural Electrification Solution

1.    25kW Centralized Mini-Grid Solution
This solution will provide basic electricity to about 200houses in a community. Being modular, it can be easily scaled in-line with electricity demand per community. Revenue collection through prepaid metering will ensure a 42-months investment payback period.

2.    250W Standalone Solar Home System Solution
This standalone home solution will provide the basic electricity to about of a single home in a typical rural community. Being modular, it can be easily scaled in-line with client’s electricity demand increases. Revenue collection through a Pay-As-You-Go model will ensure a 42-months investment payback period.

3.    Micro-grids are the Optimal Solution to Electrify Africa

4.    Residential & Commercial Solutions

Awards Received

Heritage

•    Our Corporate Partners

Corporate Partners of pve-group

By: Ifeanyi B. Orajaka
Email: info@gve-group.com @ifeanyiorajaka

Website: www.gve-group.com

Click Here to see a more detailed article on how to build Integrated Photo Voltaic Systems at www.wbdg.org. 

See Also: How to Use Solar Energy to Power Base Stations

See Also: How to Implement Control Systems

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Click the link to download the PDF copy of  this article for free: INTEGRATING PHOTOVOLTAIC (PVC) SYSTEMS AS AN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SUPPLY IN NIGERIA: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES