COST-BENEFIT ANAYSIS OF SOLAR POWER USAGE IN …



COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF SOLAR POWER USAGE IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN AKUREADEWUMI, Ayomikun SolomonDepartment of ArchitectureFederal University of Technology, AkureM.Tech 1Course: Applied Climatology (ARC810)Course Lecturer: Prof. O.O OgunsoteMatriculation Number: ARC/05/5577AbstractWith the persistent state of epileptic power supply in Nigeria coupled with emission of greenhouse gases, the need to incorporate an alternative means for energy supply can never be overemphasized in such a time as this. In considering an alternative therefore, one should opt for one that is clean, environmentally friendly, readily available and renewable with the aim of conforming to the concept of sustainable development and going green. The only green alternative that has gained prominence in recent years is the solar power usage which has found wide application in generating thermal and electrical energies. Other alternatives are wind and geothermal energies. Considering some determining factors, this paper aims to relate the cost of solar power usage in residential homes to the benefits it offers in a cost benefit analysis using Akure- a ‘sun city’ in southwestern Nigeria as the study area. Such benefits include: Environmental friendliness, reduction in global warming, easy installation, inexpensive on the long term and low maintenance e.t.c.Keywords: alternative means, cost-benefit analysis, energy supply, renewable, solar power, sustainable developmentPage 1 of 16INTRODUCTIONThe sunlight that reaches the earth comprises of up to 50% visible light, 45% infrared radiation, small amount of ultraviolet and other forms of electromagnetic radiation (Encyclop?dia Britannica, 2009a). This radiation has a strong potential of either been converted to thermal energy or electrical energy. Encyclopaedia (2009b) defined thermal energy as the internal energy present in a system in a state of thermodynamics equilibrium by virtue of its temperature. The flat plate collectors and the concentrating collectors are the two main types of devices used in capturing and converting solar energy into thermal energy. Solar energy can be converted directly to electricity by solar cells. It basically works on the principle that in such cells, a small electric voltage is generated when light strikes the junction between a metal and a semi-conductor or the junction between two different semiconductors. The potential of the solar energy is enormous giving an account of generating almost 200,000 times the world’s daily electricity if only it can be utilized. Further research submitted that the sun generates more than 10, 000 times the amount of energy the entire world consumes annually (Green Living Ideas, 2011). Unfortunately, though the solar energy itself is free, the high cost of its collection, conversion and storage all hinders its exploitation. Generating electricity from the sun is known for many centuries ago and can be traced back to ancient Greeks and Romans who used the Sun’s capacity to light and heat indoor spaces and ending at present times when solar technology has made huge achievements and is ready not only to compete with other well known energy sources but already even to replace them. In the 19th century, scientists were attracted and intrigued by solar energy possibilities. From then till now there have been huge inventions in solar technology sector which led to spectacular development in this sector. Indeed, some very important inventions were made. A good example was Albert Einstein who did a research on the photoelectric effect (a phenomenon central to the generation of electricity through solar cells). William Grylls Adams also revealed that when light was shined upon selenium, the material shed electrons, thereby creating electricity. Gerald Pearson, Daryl Chapin and Calvin Fuller invented the first silicon solar cell capable of generating a measurable electric current in 1953. This invention was announced and reported to be as “the beginning of a new era”, leading eventually to the realization of harnessing the almost boundless and limitless energy of the sun for the uses of civilization. However, in 1956 the solar photovoltaic panels (PV) were still far from economically practical. In comparison, electricity from solar cells ran at about $300 per watt while today market rates are around $5 for a watt of solar PV (Proposed Basic Concept of Energy Chain by the World Energy Congress, 2004). For achieving such price difference, massive investment in subsidies and research were done. Lately, in 2002, Japan installed 25,000 solar rooftops and such large PV orders are creating economies of scale, as a result steadily lowering costs. Worthy of note is that the PV market is currently growing at 30 percent per year and that gives a promise of continually decreasing costs.Nigeria as a country is rich with energy resources such as petroleum, natural gas, coal, tar sand, and biomass. The country consumes a large amount of liquefied petroleum gas, motor spirits, kerosene, diesel oil, fuel oil, and gas oil. All of these mentioned energy sources give huge impact to climate change problems with lots of green-house gasses emissions as well as a rise in many environmental problems in general. From the perspective of renewable energy therefore, the country has a massive potential for developing and implementing energy sources such as: solar, hydro, biomass, and wind energy. Knowing that Nigeria has an annual average daily solar radiation of about 5.25 kWh/m?/day, varying between 3.5 kWh/m?/day at the coastal areas and 7.0 kWh/m?/day at the northern boundary, and average sunshine hours all over the country is about 6.5 hours (P. Lloyd and E. Visagie, 2007) can give us an impression that implementing solar energy strategy is a great opportunity for Nigeria to get renewable energy at low cost as well as minimize dependence from fossil fuels; and finally solar energy would give an opportunity to implement infrastructure where before it seemed to be too hard or too expensive. This paper thus focuses on the cost-benefit analysis of solar power usage in Residential buildings in Akure.THEORETICAL CONCEPTS2.1SOLAR POWER USAGE IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGIn discussing solar usage in residential premises, two options that readily come to mind are application for thermal (when a heat pipe are arranged to heat up hot water) and solar home electricity. By comparison, the solar thermal is more efficient as regards storing and conserving of energy for future use. Also the largest draw on power use that most family have after running the refrigerator is hot water for showers and cleaning. A solar power residential system is a bit technical as necessary information may need to be taken on the actual electricity usage and the orientation of the house as the system requires a south facing solar panel system where sunlight can be trapped and converted to electricity (Solar Power Buzz, 2011). This however depends on how the house was constructed as this may or may not be feasible as the more the radiation received during the day, the more efficient it is when the need arises. Required for the set up aside the photovoltaic rays are a power inverter (to convert the direct current to alternating current), charge controllers and batteries to store power for future use.Figure 2.1: Figure showing a solar power usage set up Source: Karolis et al (2008)2.2SOLAR PANELSThese are devices that receive light from the sun and convert it to energy suitable for home use (Green living ideas, 2011). They are located on the roof of the house and connected to the heating system. Solar panels serve two major functions in residential buildings which are to heat water and produce electricity. Solar panels designed to heat water are also known as thermal solar system while electricity producing panels are called photovoltaic systems. The method of operation depends on what purpose the solar panels are meant to serve i.e. either as solar water heating or for electricity. A solar water heating system usually contains a ‘collector’ to absorb solar radiation and turn it into heat. A heat-conducting liquid then carries the heat from the collector to the hot water tank. In an electricity-producing system however, a positively charged layer of silicon is placed against a negatively charged layer of silicon forming a field of electrical charges to pass through. The sunlight as it shines on the panel creates these electric charges. A conductive metal is made available which concentrates the charge into an electric current which can power household appliances.2.3CHARGE CONTROLLERSThese are sold to consumers as separate devices often in conjunction with solar generators for uses such as RV, boat and off-the-grid home battery storage systems (Wikipedia, 2011a). Charge controllers are also called solar regulators in solar application. They function majorly to disable further current flow into batteries when they are full. Simple charge controllers stop charging a battery when they exceed high voltage level and re-enable charging when battery voltage drops below that level.2.4INVERTERSAn inverter is an electrical device that converts direct current (D.C) to alternating current (A.C). This converted A.C can be at any required voltage and frequency with the use of appropriate transformers, switching and control circuits (Wikipedia, 2011c).A power inverter is a complex device that converts direct current (D.C) power from solar charged battery into alternating current (A.C) form (Wikipedia, 2011d). It has found wide application in homes and other domestic situations. A well manufactured inverter is characterized with high efficiency at all power levels, ruggedness to accommodate multiple environment, stable (i.e. will not overheat) and will provide the required power and wattage to operate small appliances (Wal Solar Corporation, 2011a).RESEARCH METHODOLOGYFor the purpose of this study, information was gathered both from the primary and secondary sources of information with more of the information obtained from the secondary sources. The secondary sources include: existing records and documentation in books, journals, web materials and other literatures. Information obtained was analyzed using the cost-benefit analysisThe cost-benefit analysisThe cost-benefit analysis (CBA) also known as benefit cost analysis is an economic decision-making approach used in the assessment of whether a proposal is worth doing or to opt for possible alternatives (Wikipedia, 2011b). It basically involves comparing the total expected benefits to see whether the benefits out weight the cost and by how much. Benefits and costs are therefore expressed in money terms and are adjustment for the time value of money.4.0THE STUDY AREAAkure (+7° 15’ N, +5° 11’24’’ E), is the capital city of Ondo State, South-West Nigeria. Because of its equatorial location and the climatic condition, solar radiation is appreciable for a good part of the year. The raw data of daily sunshine hours for the period 2001 to 2007 were obtained from the Akure Airport Meteorological Station and tabulated.From the tabulation, a statistical mean daily sunshine hour was estimated at 5.21 hours as shown below. Table 4.0 reveals average highest amplitude of 7.29 hours per day in November and 2.9 hours in August.Table 4.0: Annual Average Sunshine Hours in AkureMonth2001200220032004200520062007Month AverageJanuary6.205.405.804.507.107.206.806.14February6.906.407.204.907.707.905.706.67March6.003.705.606.606.006.005.305.60April6.105.006.005.205.705.705.505.60May6.105.605.606.206.206.206.106.00June5.504.604.905.105.905.905.705.37July3.002.802.704.303.003.004.403.31August2.102.302.904.702.702.702.902.90September3.802.903.403.503.403.403.503.41October4.505.505.905.604.904.804.705.13November6.806.606.608.307.607.607.507.29December6.005.004.705.504.804.804.705.07Year Av.5.254.655.115.375.425.435.235.21Source: Akure Meteorological Station (2011)There are two distinct seasons: the rainy season which starts in April and peaks in June through September and the dry season which begins in November and lasts till April. A large percentage of her estimated populations of about 350,000 are mainly farmers, traders and artisans (Aribigbola, 2009).5.0FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION5.1ESTIMATE COST OF SOLAR POWER USAGEMelodi O.A and Famakin S.R (2011) in their research on the Assessment of Solar PV-Grid Parity in Akure came up with estimates on the cost of using solar PV in which the result obtained will be used in this section of the paper as highlighted below:The research was carried out on a hypothetical consumer wishing to run the following domestic appliances on a solar PV system for the average sunshine period of 5.21 hours available in the study area was considered as follows:2 X 50W Fans1 X 75W Fridge1 X 100W Television1 X 80W Music SetThe capacity of the equipment needed may be estimated as follows:Inverter output size ≥ sum of the capacities of appliances X Load diversity factorMathematically recall as: where Po.inv is the inverter output size, Papp is appliance capacity, dl is the diversity factor, n is number of appliances. Using the information given above and taking dl=1,Po.inv ≥ ((2 X50W) + (75W) + (100W) + (80))Po.inv ≥ 335WSince efficiency = Output/ Input, let inverter efficiency= 95% (Sunsteams, 2011)Then, input into inverteroutput / efficiency= 355/0.95= 373.68WSince the input into the inverter= output from solar PV arrayA system of 3 X 125W Solar PV panels amounting to 375W may be deployed. If losses in inverter are limited to 25W, a 400W inverter may be selected for the duty.It is also important to consider the cost of other solar equipment. The table below thus shows the prices of these equipments as of July 2010Table5.1a: Solar equipment price index as of July 2010S/NoEquipmentPrice/unit output (USD)Sampled Manufacturers1Solar PV modules4.18/WattMatrix photowatt, Unisolar, Sunware, Isofoton, Sanyosolar, Sharp Corporation, Suntech Power, Kaneka Corporation, Sunpower2Inverter0.715/WattXantrex Technology inc, Solarix, Studer, Soltek, Powersine, Sharp Electronics, Powerpro3Battery0.207/Watt hourVarta AG, Exide, Optima, Northern Battery, Dyno, Douglas, Concorde, Trojan Battery4Charge Controllers5.87/AmpMorningstar Corporation, Xantrex, Geosolar, Vario, Outback power, Lyncom, Plasmatronics, ICP solarSource: Solarbuzz (2011)Table5.1b: Bill of estimate for the installation of 2Kw Solar PV array.S/NoDescriptionUnitQuantityRate ($)Amount ($)1Solar powerW3754.181, 567.502Inverter capacityW4000.715286.003Solar plates supporting structureLot1100100.004Cabling and terminationsLot1150150.005LabourLot1150150TOTAL2,253.50Source: Melodi O.A and Famakin S.R (2011)Further research work was carried out in other to predict the future cost of solar power usage in Akure. The result obtained is as shown in the table below:Table5.1c: Comparison of Solar PV-PHCN Energy Cost Per Unit in AkureS/NoTime (Years Solar PVAnnual Degradation 0.71%/Yr Solar PVEnergy Produced (kWh)Less Annual CumulativeDegradation EnergySolar PVUnit Cost(N)GridCost/Unit120002.60220012.60320024.00420034.00520044.00620054.00720064.00820074.00920084.001020094.401120105.901220114.79675.09675.09500.717.301320124.76670.301345.39251.20057.401420134.73665.572010.96168.091520144.69660.842671.80126.521620154.66656.123327.92101.571720164.63651.473979.3984.941820174.59646.874626.2673.071920184.56642.285268.5464.162020194.53637.695906.2357.232120204.50633.166539.3951.692220214.46628.657168.0447.162320224.43624.197792.2343.38 Source: Melodi A.O and Famakin S.R (2011)5.2COST ANALYSISFrom the above table and former findings, the following deductions can be made:Grid supply (that is utility supply from P.H.C.N) remains cheaper than Solar PV by N149.45 and N97.55/kWh in the short and medium term respectively.On the long term, convergence is reached, parity is attained and solar electricity from that point becomes cheaper than grid supply.Also, it is only on the long term that parity i.e. point at which alternative means of generating electricity becomes equal in cost.The unit cost of the Solar PV continues to tend towards zero within the span of its useful life.5.3BENEFITS OF SOLAR POWER USAGE IN RESIDENTIAL HOMESSome benefits of solar power usage in residential homes are as stated below:5.3.1DEPENDABILITYPhotovoltaic cells were originally developed for use in space where repair obviously is expensive if not impossible. Till date photovoltaic still power nearly every satellite circling the earth because it operates reliably for long periods of time with little or maintenance. The system aside from been maintenance free, it also has the ability of providing electricity for 25years-40years. In fact, most solar panels have 25years manufacturer warranty on the production.5.3.2REDUCTION OF GLOBAL WARMINGIncorporating solar energy in homes reduces the consumption of fossil fuels, which helps to reduce pollution and green house gases emission. Researchers discovered that a small solar electric system has a significant environmental impact. In fact 2.5KW solar system reduces carbon dioxide emissions by an amount similar to that which would occur by planting 1 acre of trees or the emission by a passenger car driving 7,800 miles per year (Green Living Ideas, 2011).5.3.3EXEMPTION FROM FAST CLIMBING ELECTRIC RATESSolar power aside that it brings about self independence in generating power, it also exempts one from the utility rate increase. The Nigeria situation is alarming with the gradual and persistent increase in electricity tariffs. In fact, study shows that electricity rates will continue to climb faster than inflation.5.3.4CHEAPER THAN THE UTILITY POWERSolar power system can be akin to preparing for up to 40years of power at a fraction of the cost been currently paid. The cost/unit of energy paid is more than what is obtained in solar. As rates increases in future years, this difference will increase leading to more concern as regards savings over the life of a solar energy system.Other Benefits Includes: Environmental FriendlinessSelf generation and saving money on utility billsEasy InstallationLow MaintenanceLong lasting, safe and silentGeneration of clean and inflation proof electricityStability in price5.4COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS From the findings made so far, solar power usage economic benefit can be appreciated on the long term basis but not on short and medium term basis. However there are unquantifiable benefits that are derived on this short and medium term basis when the solar PV is seen to be expensive. For example, how can one value the availability of a clean and inflation proof electricity or cost the importance of a ‘green’ energy aside other benefits earlier mentioned? It is worthwhile to note that at a point on the long term, cost per unit of electricity will be at no tangible cost so far the source remains faithful. Indeed considering the benefits to be derived on long term basis and the geometrical increase in electricity tariff in the country as shown in figure 5.4, the solar power usage is still more of economic benefit with more certainty and reliability attached to it. Figure 5.4: Figure showing an increase in tariff rates in the utility supply Source: PHCN (2011)The pre-paid utility service also charge exorbitantly fixed charges which is almost 50% of the total amount tendered as shown in the figure. The table below further explains the cost and benefits of the solar PV in the short, medium and long term (using table) with the associated benefits.Table 5.4: Table showing gradual reduction in cost of solar PV with fixed benefitsTime (Years)Unit Cost (N)Benefits available2011500.71Environmental friendliness, Reduction in global warming, self generation, Easy installation, Low maintenance, Long lasting, safe and silent, Generation of clean, inflation proof electricity, Dependable e.t.c.2012251.20052013168.09202247.16202343.38202615.17Source: Student’s field work (2011)It should also be noted that the cost of solar PV can be reduced with a drop in the cost of associated equipments which is not impossible i.e. cost of inverters, solar panels. Also increase in the number of sunshine hours (if possible) and reduction in the value of degradation factor which can be achieved through improved solar PV panel design and fabrication technology will also be of help in reducing the cost.6.0RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONHome power generation has increased dramatically both in popularity and practicality over the last few years and there is no doubt that the momentum will continue to increase exponentially. With advancement in technology, the costs of building home power generations have dropped significantly and it is now obvious and certain that affordable, practical solutions to generating home energy are now available. The economic benefits that solar power usage carry for a nation like ours are immense as it does not only help in creating direct and indirect employment opportunities but also assist on retaining the foreign exchange when the earnings from export are not spend on importation of various spare parts of generators and e.t.c. Solar power usage will also help in the development of the micro-enterprise since the enterprises despite the shortage can still provide the services for its customers without losses. Government should therefore embark on Solar PV promotion programmes and promote the development of new solar PV technologies through enthusiastic support for research and development works especially in relevant indigenous research institutes and tertiary institutions.In conclusion, this paper has analyzed the usage of cost implication of solar power usage in residential buildings in Akure in a cost-benefit analysis submitting that the solar power usage is indeed a good option to be considered for residential homes not minding the cost at the outset if one can afford it but the benefits that it tends to offer on the long term basis. 7.0REFERENCESAribigbola, A. (2009). Institutional Constraints to Achieving the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs). MDG Workshop (pp. 1-21). Abuja, Nigeria: Federal Ministry of Finance of Nigeria/Economic Commission for Africa.Encyclop?dia Britannica (2009a). Solar energy. Encyclop?dia Britannica 2009 Student and Home Edition.? Chicago:?Encyclop?dia Britannica.Encyclop?dia Britannica (2009b). Thermal energy. Encyclop?dia Britannica 2009 Student and Home Edition.? Chicago:?Encyclop?dia Britannica.Green Living Ideas (2011). What are the benefits of Solar Power? Retrieved from (2011). Solar Panels- Uses, Installation, Advantages. Retrieved from , K., Rasa, M., Gaisva, R., Vytautas, R.,(2008) “Solar energy implementation in Nigeria”, A paper at Bachelor level in Business Studies, House 44.2, Roskilde University.Melodi, A.O and Famakin, S.R (2011). “Assessment of Solar Pv-Grid Parity Akure, South-West Nigeria”. Journal of Emerging trend in Engineering and Applied Sciences (JETAS) 2(3) 531-536P. Lloyd and E. Visagie (2007). “The testing of gel fuels, and their comparison to alternative cooking fuels. In Domestic use of energy conference”.Proposed Basic Concept of Energy Chain by the World Energy Congress, Sydney, Australia, (2004). proposes figure. Retrieved from congress/abstracts/hamamatsut0904.pdf.Solar Power Buzz (2011). Cost benefits analysis of solar power. residential use. Retrieved from benefit-analysis-of-solar-power.htm? m=1War Solar Corporation (2011a). Inverters. Retrieved from Solar Corporation (2011b). Residential solar electric systems. Retrieved from Residential_systems.htmWikipedia (2011a). Charge Controller. Retrieved from controllerWikipedia (2011b). Cost-benefit analysis. Retrieved from benefit-analysisWikipedia (2011c). Inverter (electrical). Retrieved from (electrical)Wikipedia (2011d). Solar Inverter. Retrieved from ................
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