Feasibility Analysis of Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Dhahran and Bisha, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The potential for grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to provide sustainable energy solutions across diverse climatic zones in Saudi Arabia was analyzed through a detailed feasibility study focusing on Dhahran and Bisha, representing different climatic conditions. In Dhahran, the power capacity for the six assessed PV technologies—Gintech, Jinko Solar, Apain Solar, Canadian Solar, Green Power, and Suntech—ranged from 11,970 kW to 12,012 kW, with the number of panels varying from 35,200 to 46,200. The solar collector area spanned from 61,242 m² to 88,715 m², and the electricity exported to the grid was consistent at approximately 18,770 MWh to 18,839 MWh. Initial costs were between USD 7,100,180 and USD 7,135,128, while revenue from exported electricity ranged from USD 912,378 to USD 915.079 with GHG emission reductions substantial at 9,700 to 9,736 tCO2. In Bisha, power capacities ranged between 9,711 kW and 9,800 kW, with panel counts from 28,600 to 37,750, and solar collector areas varying from 49,774 m² to 71,721 m². The electricity exported to the grid ranged from 18,780 MWh to 18,952 MWh. Initial costs were lower, between USD 5,768,334 and USD 5,821,200 and the revenue from exported electricity ranged from USD 912,686 to USD 921,051 with GHG emission reductions between 9,705 and 9,794 tCO2. These findings highlight the economic and environmental benefits of deploying grid-connected solar PV systems across different regions in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating significant potential for energy cost savings and substantial reductions in carbon emissions.

Keywords

• photovoltaic systems
• solar energy
• grid-connected
• retscreen software
• greenhouse gas emissions