APPLYING A PV GRID-TIED SYSTEM IN INDUSTRIAL SECTOR WITH PAYBACK REDUCTION: A CASE STUDY IN K.S.A.

Abstract

The key to creating clean energy is to use renewable energy sources. Saudi Arabia has an abundance of solar radiation due to its geographical location; therefore, solar energy applications provide excellent opportunities for generating electricity in the region. Since 1960, Saudi Arabia has examined potential photovoltaic (PV) applications however, the progress towards implementing a solar energy program has not been sufficient. In Saudi Arabia, the industrial sector consumes a large portion of the power load demand. The biggest industrial cities in Saudi Arabia are Dammam, Al-Jubile, Jeddah, and Riyadh. This study examines the potential application of solar energy through a PV system in the Saudi Arabian industrial sector. The research seeks to examine whether a PV system combined with a grid system could be feasible to apply in the country. To examine this, a typical energy consumption daily profile is assumed. The study uses an existing factory in the city of Jeddah for simulation. HOMER and Microsoft Excel are used to carry out the study. Furthermore, the economic reliability and feasibility of the examined results will be included. Finally ways to reduce the payback time was investigated and a cost effective system is recommended.