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Towards Sustainable Electricity for All: Techno-Economic Analysis of Conventional Low-Voltage-to-Microgrid Conversion

Author

Listed:
  • Frimpong Kyeremeh

    (College of Electrical Engineering and Control Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30 South Puzhu Road, Pukou District, Nanjing 211800, China
    Electrical/Electronic Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani P.O. Box 206, Ghana)

  • Dennis Acheampong

    (Regional Centre for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Sustainability, School of Engineering, University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani P.O. Box 214, Ghana)

  • Zhi Fang

    (College of Electrical Engineering and Control Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30 South Puzhu Road, Pukou District, Nanjing 211800, China)

  • Liu Feng

    (College of Electrical Engineering and Control Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30 South Puzhu Road, Pukou District, Nanjing 211800, China)

  • Forson Peprah

    (Regional Centre for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Sustainability, School of Engineering, University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani P.O. Box 214, Ghana)

Abstract

Ghana’s electricity grid remains heavily fossil-fuel dependent (69%), resulting in high costs and unstable low-voltage (LV) networks, exacerbating supply shortages. This study evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of converting the Obaa-Yaa LV substation in Drobo, Ghana, into a solar-powered microgrid. Using the forward–backward method for technical analysis and financial metrics (NPV, IRR, DPP, and PI), the results show that rooftop solar on seven households generates 676,742 kWh annually—exceeding local demand by 115.8 kW—with no voltage violations (240 V ± 6%) and minimal losses (9.24 kW). Economic viability is demonstrated via an NPV of GHS 2.1M, IRR of 17%, and a 10-year payback. The findings underscore solar microgrids as a pragmatic solution for Ghana’s energy challenges, urging policymakers to incentivize decentralized renewable systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Frimpong Kyeremeh & Dennis Acheampong & Zhi Fang & Liu Feng & Forson Peprah, 2025. "Towards Sustainable Electricity for All: Techno-Economic Analysis of Conventional Low-Voltage-to-Microgrid Conversion," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-32, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:5178-:d:1671996
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