Power Generation through Photovoltaic and Hybrid System in Babalmidila, Adamawa State, Nigeria: Design and Economic Feasibility

Electricity generation from the conventional (through fossil fuel) means or renewable energy sources currently generated and supplied to meet the energy requirements across the globe is grossly in-adequate. The population living in the rural areas are the most affected. The grid extension cost depends on the location of the area, its terrain, the number of households, and distance of the area from a grid point. However, based on these factors and in-adequate supply of electricity to even the areas connected to the national grid, renewable energy sources may provide an alternative means of electricity generation in rural areas. This work investigated the design of a power generation system (micro grid) through a renewable energy source and hybrid system for providing electricity to rural BabalMidila, Adamawa state in Nigeria using a HOMER tool. Eighty (80) houses and three (3) shops in the area were considered in the investigation. Results showed that solar panels of 113 kW, 156 pieces of AGM 12 V 200 AH batteries and an inverter of 59.9 kW will be enough to meet the calculated load of 372.19 kWh/d with a cost of energy (COE) at $0.570/kWh. However, COE when a 9.6% of a diesel generator was introduced stood at $0.531/kWh.