Solar PV Integration Into the Grid: a Techno-Economic Analysis in Three Climate Zones of Burkina Faso
Abstract
Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems (GCSPS) have emerged as effective means of decarbonizing the electricity sector and hastening the energy transition. The goal of this study is to investigate the feasibility of installing GCSPS in Burkina Faso's three climate zones, which are the Sahelian zone represented by Dori, the Sudan-Sahelian zone represented by Ouagadougou (Ouaga), and the Sudanese zone represented by Bobo- Dioulasso (Bobo). This study was carried out using the PV Syst software for design and Python for modelling the economic aspects of a 50MW GCPS in each climatic zone. The obtained results allowed for the comparison of annual production, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Pay Back Period (PBP). These comparisons show that the GCPS from Dori is more economically viable than those of Ouaga and Bobo-Dioulasso. This study will provide policymakers and private investors with information about the potential for investment in the installation of GCPS in the Sahel regions.
Keywords
Solar photovoltaic, Grid-connected, Techno-economic, Burkina faso