Comparative Analysis of Off-grid Small Hydro-Solar PV-Diesel Hybrid System in South-west, Nigeria

Reliable, efficient, and affordable power supply system is a necessary tool for rapid socio-economic development of any country. Power supply in Nigeria is grossly inadequate and inefficient. This work presented a comparison analysis of Off-Grid Small hydro-Solar Photovoltaic-Diesel Generator hybrid system in three selected locations in South-west, Nigeria. The selected locations are Molete (Oyo state), Abeokuta (Ogun state) and Ede (Osun state). The hydro data for the three locations were collected from their respective River Basin Development Authorities, while the solar data were obtained from National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s global satellite database. The hybrid components consisting of Small hydropower (SHP), Solar Photovoltaic (PV), Battery (BB) and Diesel Generator (DG) were modelled and run using Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable software with the stream flow, the solar radiation, load and the system components costs as inputs. The work also carried out a comparative analysis based on economic parameters-return on investment and simple payback period different from the conventional use of net present cost, cost of energy(COE) and operating cost. The optimal hybrid combinations for these areas were compared with the usage of autonomous DG. The most optimal hybrid combination for Molete and Ede is PV-BB-SHP System with COEs of $0.347/kWh and $0.161/kWh respectively. The most optimal configuration for Abeokuta is PV-DG-BB-SHP with COE of $0.290/kWh. The results obtained (based on economic and technical considerations) showed that the hybrid system is viable for these areas. The outcome of the research will serve as guide for the government and prospective investors in formulating effective policies towards rapid development of renewable energy technologies in these areas.