Analysis of power consumption and strategy for integrating a solar photovoltaic system into the electrical grid to improve its efficiency as applied to the Republic of Niger

The present study aims to conduct the analysis of power consumption and strategy for integrating a solar photovoltaic system into the grid to improve its efficiency and electrification level of rural regions in the Republic of Niger. The analysis of power consumption in Niger from 2010 to 2022 was performed using the SIE-UEMOA Energy Information System software. The amount of power generated by 11 MW photovoltaic plants connected to the Niger grid in all 8 regions of the country was forecasted with three different software tools: PVsystem, PVGIS, and PVWatts. All parameters, including the used technology, losses, and system type selection, affecting the system power generation were considered in the forecast. The PVsystem software was used to create a model of the studied system. According to the system simulation, 8 photovoltaic plants connected to the electrical grid of Niger will increase the annual power generation by 130.91784 GWh and reduce the import of electricity from the neighbouring Nigeria by 5.99%. The proposed integration was found to increase the national electrification rate by another 1.80% (21.80% from 20% in 2022) and help avoid CO2 emissions. The results of PVSystem simulation showed that prevented CO2 emissions comprise 3763.016 t per one region: the installation of this system in 8 regions of the country would lead to 8-fold reduction in emissions. An optimization of the tilt angle in the system design can also increase power generation. Thus, the performed analysis confirmed the need to connect additional photovoltaic plants to the electrical grid of Niger in order to increase its efficiency.