Authors : Prosper Oghenemaro Ugbehe; Idibie Emmanuel Emuesiri; Sunday Ogheneyerhovwo; Etaredafe Aghogho Faith; Olokpa Evworhovwo Favour; Ogbodogbo Oghenevwogaga Precious; Onyegbadue Ikenna Augustine; Precious Oscar-Daniels; Ngbodi Anthonia Ozioma

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 9 - September

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/y4tu9zct

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26sep1163

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

Abstract : This study investigates the geographic impact on the performance and cost efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across Nigeria's diverse climatic zones- arid, semi-arid, tropical rainforest, and mangrove. Using solar irradiance data, temperature profiles, and economic variables, the research analyzes how location influences energy output, and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Results reveal significant regional disparities: northern zones exhibit higher solar irradiance and system efficiency, while southern zones face reduced performance due to cloud cover and humidity. However, initial capital costs remain relatively uniform nationwide, making northern installations more cost-effective. The findings underscore the importance of location-specific planning for PV deployment to optimize energy yield and economic return. Finally, strategic recommendations for developers, policymakers, and investors are made in consideration of the technical and climatic conditions across the geographical regions in Nigeria, view of achieving higher efficiency and sustainability in solar PV installations.

Keywords : Photovoltaic; Irradiance; Solar System; Humidity; Geographic Regions; Peak-Sun-Hour (PSH).

References :

1. Abdelrahman, O. A., Abdelrahman T. E., Mostafa, H. E., Hossam, M. Z., Ahmed, Z. E., Mostafa, G. Mostafa, M., Hossam, M. K. and Mohamed, S. E. (2025) Advancements in photovoltaic technology: A comprehensive review of recent advances and future prospects, Energy Conversion and Management: X, Vol. 26, ISSN 2590-1745, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecmx.2025.100952.
2. Abdullahi, D., Renukappa, S., Suresh, S. and Oloke, D. (2021) Barriers for implementing solar energy initiatives in Nigeria: an empirical study, Smart and sustainable built environment, 10.1108/SASBE-06-2020-0094.
3. Abdulhameed, B. O., Benyoh, E. K. N. and Jeung-Soo, H. (2019) Validating the techno-economic and environmental sustainability of solar PV technology in Nigeria using RETScreen Experts to assess its viability, Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, DOI:10.1016/j.seta.2019.100542
4. Aboubakar, E.l., Hammoumi, S., Chtita, S. and Motahhir, A. E. (2022) Solar PV energy: From material to use, and the most commonly used techniques to maximize the power output of PV systems: A focus on solar trackers and floating solar panels, Energy Reports, Vol. 8, 11992-12010, ISSN 2352-4847, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2022.09.054.
5. Adediji, Y., Bamigboye, A., Aboderin, J., Onyeije, A. and Uzim, E. (2021) Estimation of global solar radiation on     horizontal surfaces using temperature-based model in Ilorin, Nigeria. 10.31224/osf.io/8xu69.
6. Chand, A. A., Prasad, K. A., Mamun, K. A., Sharma, K. R., and Chand, K. K. (2019). Adoption of grid-tie solar system at residential scale. Clean Technologies, 1(1), 224-231. https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol1010015.
7. Edgar, H. S-O. (2025) A review of operational factors affecting photovoltaic system performance, Energy Conversion and Management: X, Vol. 26, 100942, ISSN 2590-1745, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecmx.2025.100942.
8. Ghanim, A. A. J., Anjum, M. N., Rasool, G., Saifullah, Irfan, M., Alyami, M., Rahman, S., and Niazi, U. M. (2023). Analyzing Extreme Temperature Patterns in Subtropical Highlands Climates: Implications for Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies. Sustainability, 15(17), 12753. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712753.
9. Hassan, A. (2026) Policy-Practice Gaps in Conservation Area Governance: Evidence From Selected Conservation Areas in Nigeria, 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9683993/v1.
10. Hasan, A. A. Q., Ahmed Alkahtani, A., Shahahmadi, S. A., Nur E. Alam, M., Islam, M. A., and Amin, N. (2021). Delamination- and Electromigration-Related Failures in Solar Panels—A Review. Sustainability, 13(12), 6882. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126882
11. HOMER Energy (2021), www.homerenergy.com.
12. Ijagbemi, C. O. (2023) Perusing Factors in Locating Specialized Buildings in Rural Areas, SW Nigeria, International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Science, Volume 8, Issue 7, pp. 55-60, 2024.
13. IRENA Renewable energy statistics, (2016) International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu-Dubai.
14. Khan, A., Bressel, M., Davigny, A., Abbes, D., and Ould Bouamama, B. (2025). Comprehensive Review of Hybrid Energy Systems: Challenges, Applications, and Optimization Strategies. Energies, 18(10), 2612. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18102612
15. Kim, J., Kim, E., Jung, S., Kim, M., Kim, B., & Kim, S. (2025). Improved surface solar irradiation estimation using satellite data and feature engineering. Remote Sensing, 17(1), 65. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17010065.
16. Kumar, D. (2020) Satellite-based solar energy potential analysis for southern states of India, Energy Reports. 6. 1487-1500. 10.1016/j.egyr.2020.05.028.
17. Mazumder, G., Sarker, S., Hossain, T., Parvez, M., Hazari, M. R., Hossain, C., Zishan, M. and Amin, N. (2024) Integration of multiple simulation tools for photovoltaic system design and analysis, Advances in technology innovation, 9, 332-346, 10.46604/aiti.2024.13934.
18. Meita, R., Jefrey, K., Alwin, S. and Sherwin Sompie, J. C. (2025) Solar energy implementation in rural communities and its contributions to SDGs: A systematic literature review, Unconventional resources, 6, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.uncres.2025.100180.
19. National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), https://naptin.gov.ng/
20. Klugmann-Radziemska, E. (2003) The effect of temperature on the power drop in crystalline solar cells, Renewable energy, 28, 1-12, 10.1016/S0960-1481(02)00015-0.
21. Nezamisavojbolaghi, M., Davodian, E., Bouich, A., Tlemçani, M., Mesbahi, O., and Janeiro, F. M. (2023). The Impact of Dust Deposition on PV Panels’ Efficiency and Mitigation Solutions: Review Article. Energies, 16(24), 8022, https://doi.org/10.3390/en16248022.
22. NREL (2014), System Advisor Model (SAM), www.nrel.gov.ng.
23. Okhakhu, P. A. (2016) Climatic implications of environmental development in Nigeria, developing country studies, ISSN 2224- 607X (Paper) ISSN 2225-0565 (Online), 6(3), 50-59.
24. PVsyst SA (2020), PVsyst Software, www.pvsyst.com.
25. Rajendran, G., Raute, R., & Caruana, C. (2025). A Comprehensive Review of Solar PV Integration with Smart-Grids: Challenges, Standards, and Grid Codes. Energies, 18(9), 2221. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18092221
26. Schwanghart, W. and Schütt, B. (2008) Meteorological causes of harmattan dust in West Africa. Geomorphology, 95, 412-428, 10.1016/j.geomorph.2007.07.002. SolarGIS (2022), www.solargis.com
27. Ugbehe, P. O., Diemuodeke, O. E. and Aikhuele, D. O. (2025) Electricity demand forecasting methodologies and applications: a review, Sus. Ene. Res., 12, 10.1186/s40807-025-00149-z.
28. Ugbehe, P. O., Diemuodeke, O. E., Aikhuele, D. O., Okedu, K. E. and Kalnoor, G. (2025) Estimation and forecasting of Nigeria’s residential, commercial, and industrial electricity demands, IEEE Access, 13, 112081-112101, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3582625.
29. Yakubu, R, O., Mensah, L.O., Quansah, D.A. and ADARAmola, M. S. (2022) Improving Solar          Photovoltaic installation Energy Yield Using Bifacial Modules and Tracking Systems An analytical approach, Advances in mechanical engineering.