ENERGY AUDIT AND COST ASSESSMENT OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY FROM NATIONAL GRID AND SOLAR PV SYSTEM FOR A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

ABSTRACT

Energy is a key component in the overall growth of every nation (Mohammed, et al, 2013). However, most of the developing nations are yet to combat the problem of inadequate supply of electricity. Currently, there is a significant level of deficiency in Nigeria’s energy sector. This study seeks to address this issue by analyzing cost implications of conventional energy source and solar energy source. This report takes a look at solar PV systems and its integration into residential homes either as a stand-alone system or a hybrid system to meet up energy demands and the cost implications as compared to grid supplied electricity. As such, this study is geared towards having a cost analysis between conventional energy source and solar energy source, to serve as a guide to consumers on getting the best cost-effective use of energy. An energy audit was carried out on a three-bedroom flat to determine the power consumed daily. This data was used to size the components of a solar PV system and come up with the cost of the solar power installation. A comparison of the cost of solar energy source and on-grid power supply was made. This study brings to focus the payback period of a solar powered home and the return on investment that might accrue during this time to residential homeowners. Furthermore, the best cost-effective load sharing options (hybridisation) for residential owners considering two energy sources was also obtained. The study shows that power supply from off-grid solar PV and hybrid systems are costcompetitive with that from the national power grid