Thesis (MSc) - Cyprus International University Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Energy Systems Engineering Department

Includes References (sheets 94-103)

ABSTRACT
Rural electrification is a viable strategy to increase energy diversification and help Nigeria shift from decentralized petroleum-operated generators to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. In the current study, it is proposed to use photovoltaic
systems as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel generator systems to electrify rural Nigeria. Electrification utilizing solar photovoltaic frameworks transforms energy dependence to sunlight-based energy assets, a cleaner energy structure with no CO2 emissions during consumption in any sector from private to modern, transportation, and business, all of which contribute to the country's future decarbonisation goals. The present study investigates Nigeria's solar-based energy goals and strategies for increasing energy diversity, and sustainability, and creating an environmentally friendly electricity-generating alternative by electrifying a sample household in a rural community with BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic System) System. In a BIPV
system, Photovoltaic (PV) components are integrated into the roof, facades, and even pre-existing structures and are usually visually appealing and for this present study, the case study is a roof integrated photovoltaic system. Put simply, this refers to the attachment or suspension of photovoltaic panels at various points overlapping the structure of roof. When PV panels are coupled with the structure, they serve as structural elements, free up valuable areas for other uses, and provide all the energy a building's occupants need from renewable, environmentally friendly sources like the sun. PV system brings about a lower social cost of carbon compared to fossil fuel generators or Grid alone. In addition, the result from the present study shows that the LCOE using a PV-Grid system is 0.005$/kWh, less than the generator system’s LCOE of 0.071$/kWh and the grid electricity price of 0.05$/kWh; and with a net metering system in place, the electricity price annually is reduced as due to excess electricity being sold back. Therefore, it could be easily concluded that in addition to the environmental benefits, the PV system with net metering support scheme is economically feasible also. The only advantage of a generator over a PV system is the flexible operational capacity and time as it could be operated whenever demand occurs.
Keywords: BIPV, Electricity Cost, Nigeria, PV system, Rural Electrification, Solar.