The growing global energy demand, fossil fuel depletion, and environmental concerns highlight the need for sustainable energy alternatives. In Nigeria, persistent power shortages critically affect key sectors, including education. This study conducts a techno-economic analysis of a hybrid photovoltaic-diesel-battery system to enhance energy reliability and sustainability in underserved academic institutions. Using a Nigerian College of Education as a case study, the system was designed and optimised using Hybrid Optimisation of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software, incorporating real institutional load data and local economic inputs. The proposed system comprises a 1000 kVA diesel generator, a 32 kW solar PV array (sized under spatial and economic constraints), a converter, and battery storage with a usable capacity of approximately 43, 758 kWh. Two dispatch strategies—Cycle Charging (CC) and Load Following (LF) —were evaluated. CC outperformed LF, achieving a net present cost (NPC) of 57. 1 million and a levelized cost of energy (COE) of 0. 241/kWh, compared to the diesel-only base case with an NPC of 99. 5 million and COE of 0. 419/kWh. The hybrid configuration achieved a 55% renewable fraction, reducing fuel consumption and avoiding roughly 2034 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Sensitivity analysis, conducted across diesel prices (1. 0–1. 8/L) and capital cost multipliers (0. 25–1. 0), showed NPCs ranging from 4. 42 M to 6. 26 M and COEs from 0. 187 to 0. 264/kWh, highlighting the impact of cost variables on system feasibility. The analysis assumes a diesel price of 1. 6/L, a 12. 5% discount rate, and a 25-year project life. The findings demonstrate that integrating solar PV, diesel generation, and battery storage is a viable strategy for improving energy access, reducing operational costs, and lowering emissions in educational institutions. The methodology is adaptable to similar off-grid or unreliable-grid settings in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and other energy-constrained regions, providing a useful reference for institutional energy planning and renewable energy policy development. Clinical Trial Number: Not applicable.
Kuhe et al. (Fri,) studied this question.