The potential and economic analysis of grid-connected solar PV power in Kenya

Abstract

This present study is aimed at minimizing the dependence on fossil fuels thus reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and also to curb for the rising energy demands in Kenya. 23 locations are considered for their techno-economic potential of installation of a 10MW grid-connected photovoltaic (PV). The sites are scattered across the country yet are mostly concentrated in the Eastern region and are selected based on their accessibility to the power grid and availability of their meteorological parameters from the NASA Solar Energy Dataset. RETScreen software 4.0 version is employed for the analysis. The capacity factor, simple payback, equity payback, the net present value, annual life cycle savings, energy production cost, net annual greenhouse gas emission reduction and the equivalent barrels of crude oil not consumed are outlined. Energy accounting is performed and the results are used to conclude the feasibility of the PV investment. The average capacity factor of the PV power plants of these 23 different locations is 14.23%. All the locations under study are feasible for the construction of these 10MW plants. On average, investment capital of US$18,050,000 and a total of 51,020m2 of land are required for the installation of the 10MW PV plant.