Viability analysis of PV power plants in Egypt

This paper investigates, from techno-economical and environmental points of view, the feasible sites in Egypt to build a 10 MW PV-grid connected power plant. Available PV-modules are assessed and a module is selected for this Study. The long-term meteorological parameters for each of the 29 considered sites in Egypt from NASA renewable energy resource website (Surface meteorology and Solar Energy) are collected and analyzed in order to study the behaviors of solar radiations, sunshine duration, air temperature, and humidity over Egypt, and also to determine the compatibility of the meteorological parameters in Egypt with the safety operating conditions (SOC) of PV-modules. The project viability analysis is performed using RETScreen version 4.0 software through electric energy production analysis, financial analysis, and GHG emission analysis. The study show that placement of the proposed 10 MW PV-grid connected power plant at Wahat Kharga site offers the highest profitability, energy production, and GHG emission reduction. The lowest profitability and energy production values are offered at Safaga site. Therefore, it is recommended to start building large-scale PV power plants projects at Wahat Kharga site. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.