Sustainable Power Solutions for Urban Transit: A Grid-Connected PV System Design for MRT Line-6, Dhaka, Bangladesh

The growing energy demands of urban transportation systems call for sustainable power solutions. This study proposes and evaluates a grid-connected photovoltaic system for the Motijheel station of MRT Line-6 in Dhaka, addressing both energy needs and environmental concerns. HOMER Pro software was used for system optimization and to assess technical feasibility, economic viability, and environmental impact. The proposed system comprises a 1,877 kW PV array and a 1,082 kW inverter, achieving a renewable energy share of 77.1%. The simulation results indicate an annual energy output of 2,579,491 kWh, meeting 78.7% of the station's energy demand while maintaining reliability through grid integration. Economically, the system demonstrates a strong performance, with a levelized cost of energy of $0.0428/kWh—significantly lower than values reported in prior studies ($0.054–$0.09/kWh). Financial analysis reveals a payback period of 8.1 years and a return on investment of 7.5%. Environmentally, the system reduces CO2 emissions by 59.75%, avoiding approximately 653,617 kg of emissions annually. These results support the system's scalability across other MRT Line-6 stations and offer a viable framework for advancing sustainable power solutions in urban transit, contributing to Bangladesh's renewable energy objectives.