The potential of grid connected photovoltaic arrays in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe still relies on hydro and coal for its power generation. This paper looks at the potential of grid connected photovoltaic arrays for complementing power generation in Zimbabwe. Monthly radiation data for twenty nine locations in Zimbabwe has been collected using National Aeronautics and Space administration (NASA) and ground measurements done by other researchers in the past. An hourly load profile for a typical household with a consumption average of around 1,300kWh per month has been recorded. In order to carry out an economic comparative study of photovoltaics (PV) and Grid using coal, Hybrid optimisation model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) software tool was used. Results of the sensitivity analysis in HOMER software shows that using average electricity tariff of $0.12/kWh use of photovoltaics in grid connection is not economical, however should the tariff increases result in a tariff of just over $0.15/kWh, photovoltaics will become competitive for all areas with a minimum radiation of 5.6kWh/m²/day.