Is solar PV a viable alternative energy source in rural Ethiopia?

Solar PV and other renewable energy sources like wind, biogas, and hydropower in rural Ethiopia require more study to establish their viability. Future research can be undertaken using a variety of combinations and components. Additionally, computational techniques can be used to optimize hybrid systems.

Does Ethiopia have a grid-connected solar PV system?

As part of showing the grid-connected PV power potential, 35 different locations throughout Ethiopia are considered in this study with a typical 5 MW solar PV system in each site. RETScreen was used to analyze and compare the potential of these sites.

What is the history of solar PV systems in Ethiopia?

In the next section, brief overview of previous studies and historical background of PV systems in Ethiopia is included. The first standalone solar PV system in Ethiopia was introduced in the mid of 1980s to a remote village located in the central part of the country .

Is there a private investment in solar power plants in Ethiopia?

However, there was no private investment in solar power plants in Ethiopia. Mainly the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) has been a state-owned and vertically integrated monopoly that controls the market from generation to selling of electricity throughout the country .

Does Ethiopia have a solar energy potential?

Ethiopia’s annual direct solar radiation potential (Source: ). Bekele and Palm studied the solar energy potential of four locations in Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa, the capital city. Bekele and Boneya further showed how a PV-wind hybrid system is feasible to electrify a rural village.

How can a solar power system help Ethiopia?

It has the potential to significantly help Ethiopia’s government in meeting its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol. The optimum system (case I) consists of a 7.50 kW PV array with 11 unit batteries, a 7.30 kW DG, and a 6.60 kW converter.