Authors : Oni Olatunji Temitope; Amodu Saidat Bola; Aponjolosun Johnson Kayode; Sunmonu Olabode Kayode

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 7 - July

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/yfyy6f6f

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/yu3upuvk

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jul1046

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Note : Google Scholar may take 30 to 40 days to display the article.

Abstract : Access to reliable electricity continues to be a significant challenge in many rural areas of developing countries. This study offers a detailed engineering-economic comparison between grid-tied and standalone solar energy systems, with a focus on sustainable rural electrification. By utilizing real-world load profiles, solar resource data, and system component costs, we assess both configurations based on performance indicators such as Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Net Present Cost (NPC), system reliability, and environmental impact. A rural community scenario is modeled and simulated using HOMER Pro to evaluate system design under varying demand and climatic conditions. The results indicate that while grid-tied systems provide cost benefits in areas with stable grid access, standalone systems offer enhanced energy independence and resilience in remote or underserved locations. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, energy planners, and stakeholders seeking sustainable, context-specific electrification solutions in developing regions.

Keywords : Electrification, Photovoltaics, Microgrids, Sustainability, Economics.

References :

1. International Energy Agency (IEA), “Africa Energy Outlook 2023,” IEA, Paris, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.iea.org/reports/africa-energy-outlook-2023
2. A. Olatomiwa, S. Mekhilef, and M. Ismail, “Optimal configuration assessments of hybrid renewable power supply for rural healthcare centers,” Energy, vol. 194, no. 116835, pp. 1–12, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.116835.
3. A. Adaramola, O. Oyewola, and M. Ajayi,“Performance evaluation of grid-connected solar PV system in a tropical climate,” Energy for Sustainable Development, vol. 57, pp. 146–154, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.esd.2020.06.007.
4. A. S. Sambo, B. Garba, and A. Zarma, “Renewable energy development in Nigeria: Issues and prospects,” Energy Policy, vol. 132, pp. 264–272, 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.05.065.
5. E. Mensah and E. Antwi, “Techno-economic assessment of stand-alone solar PV-battery systems for remote rural electrification in Ghana,” Renewable Energy, vol. 188, pp. 336–346, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2022.01.081.
6. S. A. Abdul-Wahab, B. A. Bakheit, and A. M. Al-Hinai, “Comparative study of hybrid renewable energy systems for off-grid and grid-tied options using HOMER Pro,” Renewable Energy, vol. 146, pp. 1604–1615, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.07.025.
7. A. Eleri, M. Umar, and A. Oyebanji, “Decentralized energy options for rural electrification in Nigeria: A comparative assessment,” Energy Reports, vol. 7, pp. 4352–4364, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2021.07.037.
8. World Bank, “Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report 2022,” International Energy Agency, IRENA, UNSD, World Bank, WHO, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://trackingsdg7.esmap.org/
9. HOMER Energy by UL, “HOMER Pro®: Microgrid Optimization Software,” Accessed: July 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.homerenergy.com/ products/pro/index.html
10. IRENA, “Renewable Energy Market Analysis: Africa and Its Regions,” International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.irena.org/publications/2021/Mar/Renewable-Energy-Market-Analysis-Africa
11. R. A. Khan, J. Zhang, and M. A. Abdullah, “Economic evaluation of standalone and grid-connected solar PV systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: A case study of Nigeria,” Renewable Energy, vol. 170, pp. 453–468, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.01.106.
12. B. D. Solomon, “The role of solar PV in reducing energy poverty in developing countries,” Energy Policy, vol. 158, 112564, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112564.
13. A. Mustapha, I. Lawal, and A. Garba, “Techno-economic analysis of hybrid solar systems for rural health clinics in northern Nigeria,” Energy Reports, vol. 9, pp. 1240–1252, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2023.03.038.
14. N. W. Davis and O. O. Olowu, “Sustainable microgrid design for rural communities using HOMER: A Nigerian case,” Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, vol. 53, 102417, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.seta.2022.102417.
15. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), “Scaling Up Off-Grid Renewables for Energy Access,” 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.undp.org/publications/scaling-grid-renewables-energy-access