The design and financial viability of solar PV plants in Rwanda.

Abstract

This thesis encapsulates a study on designing optimally sized photovoltaic (PV) plants for rural villages in Rwanda. The initial phase focused on assessing solar energy potential and energy requirements to determine the ideal model for these villages, estimating the daily energy supply needs of different sites, and observing minimal variation in electrical loads throughout the year. The major factor contributing to energy loss in PV plants was found to be heat-induced losses in solar panels. Despite the high initial costs, investing in such energy systems is deemed worthwhile, with a projected break-even point of around 10 years for a plant lifetime of 25 years and a potential 29% drop in energy costs. The research also delved into the impact of incentives and subsidies on the cost of PV energy in rural areas, emphasizing the need for a deeper assessment of these factors to optimize the technical and economic aspects of PV plants. It is to be noted that a significant return on investment and increased renewable energy share with the application of incentives and subsidies. Additionally, the study addresses the growing energy demands in rural Rwanda, proposing that solar PV plants could achieve full electrification, especially with the support of subsidies and incentives. A key contribution of this study lies in its unique design and sizing of PV plants capable of meeting the diverse energy needs of households, businesses, and agriculture in off-grid regions of Rwanda. The findings hold substantial implications for potential developers, communities, and the Rwandan government, providing insights into potential financial gains and broader benefits. The study acknowledges limitations related to standalone PV plants and suggests avenues for future research, including exploring grid-connected PV plants and hybrid solar-hydro PV systems tailored to Rwanda's climate and economic conditions.