Assessing the Economic and Environmental Prospects of Stand-By Solar Powered Systems in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper presents an economic analysis of two stand-by power supply options for a typical Nigerian household namely diesel generator plant and solar powered systems. The analysis reveals that solar systems are the most economically viable. The environmental benefits associated with substituting diesel powered stand-by plants with solar powered photovoltaic systems were also estimated. The amount of diesel save was estimated and the reduction in air pollution calculated. With this two analysis it is hope that individual households in Nigeria, will be encouraged to go for solar stand-by systems while Government will be encouraged to pursue further an energy-environmental friendly policy which will lead to reduction in the production of air pollutants. This kind of policy is very essential, as the number of household installing stand-by power plants in Nigeria has been found to increase exponentially over the past few years.


(Journal of Applied Sciences & Environmental Management: 2003 7(1): 37-42)