Analysis Of The Viability Of Hybrid Wind–Solar Energy As An Alternative Electricity Source In The Ashanti Region

Abstract

This research investigates the viability of hybrid wind–solar energy as an alternative electricity source in the Ashanti region. Though the energy transmission in Ghana is fairly better now, there is the need to take advantage of modern renewable energy technology which cost efficient over time and more environmentally friendly. Therefore, incorporating this technology in the Ashanti region and its environs will go along way to impact lives and the environment positively. In this study, primary data such as load profiles of both domestic and commercial activities was obtained through surveys and energy audits. Also, relevant secondary data such as wind speed, air temperature, and solar radiation was collected from the Ghana Meteorological Agency. The system was modelled comprehensively with simulation results that discover the feasibility of the system. All these data were simulated and analyzed using the HOMER Pro software. The findings of the study after the simulation indicated that Ashanti region is technically feasible with an average wind power density of 254 W/m2 , coupled with this power density is the daily solar irradiation levels ranges from 4 to 6kWh/m2 and the annual sunshine length spans from 1800 to 3000 hours.The financial and economic feasibility analysis conducted also indicated that with a present worth of $4,776,072 and annual worth of $369,450 for the project, the return on investment and internal rate of return are 18.9% and 23.7% respectively. The simple payback and the discounted payback are also 3.84 and 4.64 years respectively. This shows that the project is financially feasible and cost effective. The sensitivity analysis performed at different cost of diesel fuel at $1.0, $1.2, $1.50 resulted in the at prices of $0.458, $0.458 and $0.466 respectively with is fairly cot effective as well compared with the costs for using the grid