Techno-Economic Study of a Grid-Connected PV Power Plant in the City of Ngaoundere - Cameroon

Abstract

This article presents an in-depth techno-economic study on the performance analysis of a photovoltaic (PV) power plant connected to the electrical grid in Ngaoundere, Cameroon. The region, characterized by favorable meteorological conditions and significant solar potential, offers a strategic opportunity for the energy transition away from fossil fuels. The modeling is based on local meteorological data collected via Meteonorm, incorporating factors such as global and diffuse solar irradiance, temperature, wind speed, and atmospheric turbidity. A detailed examination of the site, located at the University of Ngaoundere, was carried out to optimize the orientation of the photovoltaic panels, featuring a tilt angle of 35° and an azimuth of 0°. The proposed configuration includes an installed capacity of 4550 kWp, utilizing 10,000 monocrystalline modules of 455 Wp each. Losses due to shading, incidence angle, and inverter performance were integrated into the simulation of a grid-connected PV power plant. The results indicate an annual energy production of 7803 MWh, with an efficiency rate of 79.9%. The study also presents an extensive financial analysis, revealing high profitability with an estimated return on investment of 403.2% over a 25-year span. Additionally, the environmental impact is significant, with an estimated reduction of 8251 tons of equivalent CO₂ emissions over the plant’s lifecycle. This study demonstrates the potential of renewable energy in Ngaoundere, Cameroon, and proposes a replicable model for similar regions. It emphasizes the importance of solar energy as a viable solution to address energy and environmental challenges while highlighting its economic and ecological benefits.