Technical and economic feasibility of utilizing efficient photovoltaic systems to power rural health centres in the federal capital territory (FCT) of Nigeria

Delivering reliable electricity to rural health centres in Nigeria has long been a challenge. This study presents a technical and economic feasibility analysis involving a comparison between efficient solar photovoltaic systems, small gasoline generators, and the (unreliable) grid as power supply sources for rural health centres in Nigeria. Twenty-eight rural health centres were visited in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria whereupon an assessment was taken to know their energy needs and how these needs are met. Ibwa 1 Primary Health Centre (PHC), one of the health centres audited, was used as a case study for technical design and economic analysis. Two scenarios were considered for the design and economic analysis for the Ibwa 1 Primary Health Centre. A lead acid deep cycle battery was used in Scenario 1 for the system sizing, and a lithium-iron-phosphate battery was used for Scenario 2. The daily energy demand for both scenarios was reduced by 52% using demand-side energy efficiency measures such as efficient ceiling fans and LED light bulbs. Based on the economic analysis from the results, Scenario 1 is more economically viable. The results reveal an initial cost of ₦13,828,000 ($38,411) and ₦35,949,160 ($97,081) for Scenarios 1 and 2 respectively, and an annual operation and maintenance cost of ₦342,360 ($951) for Scenario 1 and 2 respectively. The investment model developed for an independent investor, reveals that 20% and 55%margin on the outlay cost must be reached for the investor to break even within a 10-year repayment period for Scenarios 1 and 2 respectively. Given the outcomes of the two scenarios, an estimated 19 tCO2e GHGs would be avoided per year from Ibwa 1 primary health centre