Comparative economic analysis of Photovoltaic, Diesel Generator and Grid Extension in Cote D'ivoire

The supply of electricity to the rural communities of Côte d'Ivoire continues to be major problem. This study presents an economic comparison between Photovoltaic (PV), Diesel Generator and Grid Extension. The purpose of the study was to analyze which technology is more cost effective suitable to use in remote areas in Cote d'Ivoire by using life cycle cost techniques. The parameters used for simulation were load energy demand and grid extension distance. The results have shown that Diesel Generator could be considerably more expensive than PV system in long term (up to 6 years). Compared to Grid, PV cost effectiveness would both daily load demand and distance to Grid dependant. Over 5 kWh day-1 load demand the distance to Grid should be at least 1 km. Over 50 kWh day-1 load demand the grid extension distance should be up to 6 km. The results show that PV is the cost effective option for low power energy demand in rural areas and also when the locality is very far from grid. © 2011 Knowledgia Review, Malaysia.