Techno-Economic Framework for Solar Electrification Using Night-time Satellite Imagery in Punjab - Pakistan

The electrification of off-grid areas in rural regions through the Solar PhotoVoltaic system is the most viable and convenient solution. However, for a developing country, the major barriers are to locate the load centers of off-grid areas, identification of solar energy potential of those areas and the relevant economics. Therefore, in this study the off-grid areas of Punjab, Pakistan are located through night-time satellite imagery and the data is substantiated through the Pakistan Bureau of statistics database. Furthermore, the solar energy potential of selected regions is evaluated and is followed up by economic viability related to those regions. The outcome of this study endorsed that south Punjab regions have acceptable solar irradiation to be harnessed for electricity generation. Moreover, the economic analysis based on the Levelized Cost of energy has been done which revealed that the cost of producing electricity through solar PV system is PKR 10.7/kWh and the electricity generated through conventional energy sources is around 20.79/kWh. Furthermore, by installing the solar PV system in un-electrified rural areas, high level of CO
₂
could be mitigated. Hence, this study will help the concerned authorities to make use of solar PV technology in the remote and off-grid areas of Pakistan.