Abstract:
The potentials of large scale solar photovoltaic power generation in Sokoto
State, North
-
Western Nigeria and Port Harcourt
,
Southern Nigeria were
evaluated
through the application of solar PV Sys computer software. Daily
average solar radiation in both locations and average relative humidity from
2001 to 2010 was obtained from Nigerian Metrological Weather Forecast
Centre, Abuja. The data together with recor
ded Minimum/Maximum
Temperatures were applied as simulation input parameters to activate the
computer program. Results obtained were used to estimate the total energy
production capacity of a 200kW and 500kW photovoltaic power plant in Sokoto,
as compared
to the same capacity of power plant located in
Port Harcourt
. It
was observe that, the total energy production capacity of a 200kW PV power
plant in Sokoto state is 532MWhr/yr, while the same power plan
t in Port
Harco
urt
could only produce 223MWhr/yr. The
economic analysis also indicate
that the cost of 200kW PV powe
r plant in Rivers state is higher
than the same
power plant located in Sokoto state
,
North Western Nigeria. Furthermore,
economic analysis of large scale solar photovoltaic power generation was
made
and a model of 4 x 250kW mini grid systems was developed.
