Feasibility Study of Solar PV System for Backup Application: A Case in Dilla University Water Pump System

Abstract

Solar energy generation utilizes solar cells or photovoltaic cell devices to convert the energy of light directly into electricity. In recent, it has been proved that the population increased and the need for energy and its related services to satisfy human social and economic development and health is increasing. At this time, most institutions and business firms use backup generators for backup applications. This study focuses on renewable energy production as well as the storage system for running water pumps found in Dilla University, Odaya Campus. The use of this fuel generator has various economic, social, and environmental impacts. This includes the higher cost of fuel, air pollution for global warming, and maintenance costs. This research intends to design a Solar PV and study the feasibility of the system for backup applications. Finally, this potential contributes to fill the energy gap between the demand and supply of the country mainly at Dilla University. In designing and studying this hybrid system we have gained a payback period of four years. This implies that once investing the required initial capital, we can use the system for over fifteen years with only maintenance costs.