Techno-Economic Model and Feasibility Assessment of Utility Scale Solar Power Plant in Nepal

Roshan Kumar Chhetri; Aatiz Ghimire; Rajesh Bhattarai

doi:doi:10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11

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Techno-Economic Model and Feasibility Assessment of Utility Scale Solar Power Plant in Nepal

Roshan Kumar Chhetri^*, Aatiz Ghimire, Rajesh Bhattarai

Published in American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems (Volume 12, Issue 6)

Received: 3 September 2023 Accepted: 20 September 2023 Published: 26 December 2023

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Abstract

This research presents a comprehensive analysis of the techno-economic feasibility of utility-scale solar power projects in Nepal. With Nepal's growing economy and increasing electricity demand, the need for diverse and reliable energy sources becomes evident. This study focuses on a 5MW grid-connected solar PV plant, assessing its technical viability through site selection, design considerations, and energy yield estimation. The selection and sizing of various components, such as PV modules, inverters, transformers, LT panels, AC and DC wires, and protection devices, are carried out meticulously through calculations, including conductor selection, to facilitate power evacuation to the substation. This technical assessment will aid in understanding the technological requirements for the establishment of a solar power plant in Nepal. Additionally, the economic analysis covers capital and operational expenditures, revenue generation, and key financial indicators such as Project IRR, Equity IRR, NPV, and LCOE. Similarly, the analysis of energy generation over a 25-year period is conducted to comprehend the correlation between project size and revenue generation. By integrating technical and financial evaluations, this study demonstrates that large-scale solar projects are both technically sound and financially viable within Nepal's context. These findings offer valuable insights for developers, policymakers, and researchers, fostering informed decision-making for the country's energy future and could be part of the national strategy.

Published in	American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems (Volume 12, Issue 6)
DOI	10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11
Page(s)	92-102
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Utility Scale Solar Power Plant, PVsyst, Helioscope, Meteonorm, AutoCAD, Single Line Diagram

References

[1]	Ministry of Energy Water Resources and Irrigation, Government of Nepal. Development of Alternative Electricity Connected to the Grid 2018. Available Online: https://moewri.gov.np/pages/working-procedure-and-directives.
[2]	Ministry of Energy Water Resources and Irrigation, Department of Electricity Development, Government of Nepal. Available Online: http://www.doed.gov.np/
[3]	Kafle U, Anderson T, Lohani SP. The Potential for Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems in Nepal. Energies. Vol. 16, No. 2, 2023, pp. 747. doi: 10.3390/en16020747.
[4]	The World Bank. Solar Resource and Photovoltaic Potential of Nepal. Available Online: https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/585921519658176633/pdf/123705-ESM-P150328-PUBLIC-NepalSolarMappingCountrySolarResourceReportMarch.pdf.
[5]	Ministry of Energy Water Resources and Irrigation, Government of Nepal, Alternative Energy Promotion Centre. Solar and Wind Energy Resource Assessment in Nepal. Available Online: https://policy.asiapacificenergy.org/node/358.
[6]	Global Solar Atlas. Available Online: https://globalsolaratlas.info/support/faq
[7]	K. Osmani, Mohamad Ramadan, Thierry Lemenand, Bruno Castanier & Ahmad Haddad. Optimization of PV array tilt angle for minimum levelized cost of energy. Computer and Electrical Engineering. Vol. 96, Part A. doi: 10.1016/j.compeleceng.2021.107474.
[8]	Mohsen Shayestegan. Overview of grid-connected two-stahe transformer-less inverter design. Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy. Vol. 6, Issue 4, 2018, pp. 642-655. doi: 10.1007/s40565-017-0367-z.
[9]	Saroj Shrestha, Ajay Kumar Jha. Uprating of existing transmission lines in Nepal using high capacity conductors. Preceedings of IOE Graduate Conference. Vol. 5, 2017.
[10]	Umar, N. H., Bora, B., Banerjee, C., Umar, N., Panwar, B. S. Comparison of different PV power simulation software: Case study on performance analysis of 1 MW grid-connected PV solar power plant. Int. J. Eng. Sci. Invent. Vol. 7, 2018, pp. 11–24.
[11]	Mohammad Baqir, Harpreet Kaur Channi. Analysis and design of solar PV system using PVsyst software. Materials Today: Proceedings. Vol. 48, Part 5, 2022, pp. 1332-1338. doi: 10.1016/j.matpr.2021.09.029.
[12]	Solar Power World. Available Online: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/08/specific-yield-overview/
[13]	Reich NH, Mueller B, Armbruster A, Van Sark WGJHM, Kiefer K, Reise C. Performance ratio revisited: is PR > 90% realistic?. Progress in Photovoltaics Research. Vol. 20, Part 6, 2012, pp. 717-726. doi: 10.1002/pip.1219.
[14]	Chaudhari, R. H., Chaudhari, B. H., Chavda, P. D. and Aal, V. L. To study the temporal variation of capacity utilization factor (CUF) of PV based solar power plant with respect to climatic condition. Current World Environment. Vol. 11, No. 2, 2016, pp. 654-661. doi: 10.12944/CWE.11.2.38.
[15]	Department of Customs, Ministry of Finance, Government of Nepal. Website: www.customs.gov.np
[16]	Nepal Rastra Bank. Available Online: https://www.nrb.org.np/forex/

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APA Style

Chhetri, R. K., Ghimire, A., Bhattarai, R. (2023). Techno-Economic Model and Feasibility Assessment of Utility Scale Solar Power Plant in Nepal. American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 12(6), 92-102. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11

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ACS Style

Chhetri, R. K.; Ghimire, A.; Bhattarai, R. Techno-Economic Model and Feasibility Assessment of Utility Scale Solar Power Plant in Nepal. Am. J. Electr. Power Energy Syst. 2023, 12(6), 92-102. doi: 10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11

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AMA Style

Chhetri RK, Ghimire A, Bhattarai R. Techno-Economic Model and Feasibility Assessment of Utility Scale Solar Power Plant in Nepal. Am J Electr Power Energy Syst. 2023;12(6):92-102. doi: 10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11

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@article{10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11,
  author = {Roshan Kumar Chhetri and Aatiz Ghimire and Rajesh Bhattarai},
  title = {Techno-Economic Model and Feasibility Assessment of Utility Scale Solar Power Plant in Nepal},
  journal = {American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems},
  volume = {12},
  number = {6},
  pages = {92-102},
  doi = {10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.epes.20231206.11},
  abstract = {This research presents a comprehensive analysis of the techno-economic feasibility of utility-scale solar power projects in Nepal. With Nepal's growing economy and increasing electricity demand, the need for diverse and reliable energy sources becomes evident. This study focuses on a 5MW grid-connected solar PV plant, assessing its technical viability through site selection, design considerations, and energy yield estimation. The selection and sizing of various components, such as PV modules, inverters, transformers, LT panels, AC and DC wires, and protection devices, are carried out meticulously through calculations, including conductor selection, to facilitate power evacuation to the substation. This technical assessment will aid in understanding the technological requirements for the establishment of a solar power plant in Nepal. Additionally, the economic analysis covers capital and operational expenditures, revenue generation, and key financial indicators such as Project IRR, Equity IRR, NPV, and LCOE. Similarly, the analysis of energy generation over a 25-year period is conducted to comprehend the correlation between project size and revenue generation. By integrating technical and financial evaluations, this study demonstrates that large-scale solar projects are both technically sound and financially viable within Nepal's context. These findings offer valuable insights for developers, policymakers, and researchers, fostering informed decision-making for the country's energy future and could be part of the national strategy.
},
 year = {2023}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Techno-Economic Model and Feasibility Assessment of Utility Scale Solar Power Plant in Nepal
AU  - Roshan Kumar Chhetri
AU  - Aatiz Ghimire
AU  - Rajesh Bhattarai
Y1  - 2023/12/26
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11
T2  - American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems
JF  - American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems
JO  - American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems
SP  - 92
EP  - 102
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2326-9200
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11
AB  - This research presents a comprehensive analysis of the techno-economic feasibility of utility-scale solar power projects in Nepal. With Nepal's growing economy and increasing electricity demand, the need for diverse and reliable energy sources becomes evident. This study focuses on a 5MW grid-connected solar PV plant, assessing its technical viability through site selection, design considerations, and energy yield estimation. The selection and sizing of various components, such as PV modules, inverters, transformers, LT panels, AC and DC wires, and protection devices, are carried out meticulously through calculations, including conductor selection, to facilitate power evacuation to the substation. This technical assessment will aid in understanding the technological requirements for the establishment of a solar power plant in Nepal. Additionally, the economic analysis covers capital and operational expenditures, revenue generation, and key financial indicators such as Project IRR, Equity IRR, NPV, and LCOE. Similarly, the analysis of energy generation over a 25-year period is conducted to comprehend the correlation between project size and revenue generation. By integrating technical and financial evaluations, this study demonstrates that large-scale solar projects are both technically sound and financially viable within Nepal's context. These findings offer valuable insights for developers, policymakers, and researchers, fostering informed decision-making for the country's energy future and could be part of the national strategy.

VL  - 12
IS  - 6
ER  -

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Author Information

Roshan Kumar Chhetri

WindPower Nepal, Lalitpur, Nepal

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Aatiz Ghimire

Herald Collage Kathmandu, University of Wolverhampton UK, Kathmandu, Nepal

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Rajesh Bhattarai

Hydro Engineering and Management Service, Kathmandu, Nepal

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Chhetri, R. K., Ghimire, A., Bhattarai, R. (2023). Techno-Economic Model and Feasibility Assessment of Utility Scale Solar Power Plant in Nepal. American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 12(6), 92-102. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11

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ACS Style

Chhetri, R. K.; Ghimire, A.; Bhattarai, R. Techno-Economic Model and Feasibility Assessment of Utility Scale Solar Power Plant in Nepal. Am. J. Electr. Power Energy Syst. 2023, 12(6), 92-102. doi: 10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11

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AMA Style

Chhetri RK, Ghimire A, Bhattarai R. Techno-Economic Model and Feasibility Assessment of Utility Scale Solar Power Plant in Nepal. Am J Electr Power Energy Syst. 2023;12(6):92-102. doi: 10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11,
  author = {Roshan Kumar Chhetri and Aatiz Ghimire and Rajesh Bhattarai},
  title = {Techno-Economic Model and Feasibility Assessment of Utility Scale Solar Power Plant in Nepal},
  journal = {American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems},
  volume = {12},
  number = {6},
  pages = {92-102},
  doi = {10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.epes.20231206.11},
  abstract = {This research presents a comprehensive analysis of the techno-economic feasibility of utility-scale solar power projects in Nepal. With Nepal's growing economy and increasing electricity demand, the need for diverse and reliable energy sources becomes evident. This study focuses on a 5MW grid-connected solar PV plant, assessing its technical viability through site selection, design considerations, and energy yield estimation. The selection and sizing of various components, such as PV modules, inverters, transformers, LT panels, AC and DC wires, and protection devices, are carried out meticulously through calculations, including conductor selection, to facilitate power evacuation to the substation. This technical assessment will aid in understanding the technological requirements for the establishment of a solar power plant in Nepal. Additionally, the economic analysis covers capital and operational expenditures, revenue generation, and key financial indicators such as Project IRR, Equity IRR, NPV, and LCOE. Similarly, the analysis of energy generation over a 25-year period is conducted to comprehend the correlation between project size and revenue generation. By integrating technical and financial evaluations, this study demonstrates that large-scale solar projects are both technically sound and financially viable within Nepal's context. These findings offer valuable insights for developers, policymakers, and researchers, fostering informed decision-making for the country's energy future and could be part of the national strategy.
},
 year = {2023}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Techno-Economic Model and Feasibility Assessment of Utility Scale Solar Power Plant in Nepal
AU  - Roshan Kumar Chhetri
AU  - Aatiz Ghimire
AU  - Rajesh Bhattarai
Y1  - 2023/12/26
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11
T2  - American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems
JF  - American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems
JO  - American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems
SP  - 92
EP  - 102
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2326-9200
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20231206.11
AB  - This research presents a comprehensive analysis of the techno-economic feasibility of utility-scale solar power projects in Nepal. With Nepal's growing economy and increasing electricity demand, the need for diverse and reliable energy sources becomes evident. This study focuses on a 5MW grid-connected solar PV plant, assessing its technical viability through site selection, design considerations, and energy yield estimation. The selection and sizing of various components, such as PV modules, inverters, transformers, LT panels, AC and DC wires, and protection devices, are carried out meticulously through calculations, including conductor selection, to facilitate power evacuation to the substation. This technical assessment will aid in understanding the technological requirements for the establishment of a solar power plant in Nepal. Additionally, the economic analysis covers capital and operational expenditures, revenue generation, and key financial indicators such as Project IRR, Equity IRR, NPV, and LCOE. Similarly, the analysis of energy generation over a 25-year period is conducted to comprehend the correlation between project size and revenue generation. By integrating technical and financial evaluations, this study demonstrates that large-scale solar projects are both technically sound and financially viable within Nepal's context. These findings offer valuable insights for developers, policymakers, and researchers, fostering informed decision-making for the country's energy future and could be part of the national strategy.

VL  - 12
IS  - 6
ER  -

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