Evaluation of residential rooftop solar PV under net metering in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The growing global need for electricity coupled with the decreasing availability of fossil fuels has raised significant concerns, prompting the exploration of alternative, sustainable resources to meet future electrical energy demands. Zimbabwe is struggling to meet the electricity demand for its growing population. The capital city, Harare, has most households connected to the grid but the grid is unreliable, and long hours of blackouts are being experienced. The photovoltaic potential is very huge. This study conducts a techno-economic comparison of a grid-connected residential load, examining the integration of solar PV panels through a Net-Metering system. The design, implementation, and analysis of this hybrid system are conducted using HOMER Software. The research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the financial implications and economic feasibility of integrating rooftop solar PV technology and the impact of net metering. Through extensive simulation and modeling exercises with HOMER Pro, the study evaluates key economic parameters, including the levelized cost of electricity, payback period, and internal return on investment. The findings of this study contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge by offering insights into the economic aspects of rooftop solar PV adoption and the impact of net metering. This information is essential for stakeholders seeking sustainable and economically viable solutions in the renewable energy sector, fostering informed decision-making, and facilitating the transition toward a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape. Based on the results, a 3 kW PV panel and a 2-kW inverter can produce 5,259 kWh/year, while feeding the grid with 2634 kWh/year. The initial cost of the system is $4,725, with a net present cost (NPC) of $4,650. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is 0.0563 US$/kWh. The findings of the study also show that the size of the PV system increases the LCOE and the payback period is reduced. These numbers show that the application of this PV system is not only technically feasible but also economically justified in Zimbabwe under the net metering scheme. Keywords: Grid-connected PV, net metering, rooftop solar PV, Zimbabwe, Homer Pro, payback period