Design and Simulation of a Solar Photovoltaic Mini-Grid along with Estimation of Carbon Emission Mitigation Using Retscreen Tool

Solar photovoltaic, being one of the cleanest forms of renewable and sustainable energy, has been very instrumental in every nation’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP). This study is aimed at a pragmatic demonstration of energy transition, utilizing solar photovoltaic system that could curtail reliance on fossil-based power generation and hence, estimating the measure of carbon emission mitigated by this renewable energy project. This study illustrates a conceptual design of a solar photovoltaic mini-grid with detailed step-by-step analysis and visualization of the entire circuit structure of the solar photovoltaic mini-grid. The mini-grid captures a capacity of 159kWp PV array and 600kWh of energy storage, which would cost USD306,090.56, with a potential of mitigating 255 tons of GHG emission yearly. The methodology used in the implementation of this study includes data collection from the proposed facility to be powered by the mini-grid, data analysis for sizing and selection of the grid components, grid system representation and visualization by means of a Single Line Diagram (SLD), detailing all circuit components with connections and configurations. The results presented include the estimated carbon emission that would be mitigated by the physical implementation of the designed mini-grid, hence reflecting the whole essence of energy transition.