Techno-economic comparison of PV and diesel systems for telecommunications and aviation navigational aids

This paper provides an economic case study of photovoltaic (PV), diesel and PV/diesel hybrid power systems for powering telecommunications and navigational aids at Banjul International Airport in The Gambia. Operational experience would suggest that a PV/diesel hybrid power system may be the optimum solution at present. The paper discusses the technical and economic analysis necessary to determine the specifications of an optimal hybrid power system and provide an economic assessment of the diesel, PV and PV/diesel options on a least-cost life-cycle basis.