Techno-Economic Modeling of Hybrid PV Systems in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A HOMER-Based Case Study on Integrating Efficiency, Sustainability, and Economic Viability

Abstract

Solar power has the potential to provide a significant portion of the electricity required by cities in a sustainable manner. This paper assesses the potential of renewable energy sources, specifically solar power, to achieve sustainable electricity supply to Saudi Arabian cities. Photovoltaic systems are compared with thermal storage systems in supplying base-load electricity since the Kingdom does have ample solar resources with average wind speeds ranging from moderate. It is a methodology that uses HOMER software to identify the most efficient and technically feasible renewable-based energy conservation system across diverse Saudi Arabian households. One of the most critical concerns in the strategic planning of fossil fuel substitutes to meet the local energy demand is the utilization of renewable and new energy sources that are currently accessible in Saudi Arabia. In terms of renewable energy, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia serves as an important case study. It has a lengthy history of relying on renewable energy sources to satisfy its energy requirements, and it will remain unfeasible to install grid-connected electric systems for its residents in the future. The nation's hybrid options include wind resources. The study optimizes the hybrid-solar wind resources systems that provide the most cost-effective and practical solution for energy production. It studies the cost of energy per unit (1.7 kWh) for 25 household appliances, depicting the economic viability of renewable energy systems in the Saudi Arabian context. This study will research the exclusiveness of the Kingdom's energy landscape and its transition phase from conventional energy to non-conventional energy sources for insightful viewpoints on how best to strategically plan the development of fossil fuel alternatives to meet the local energy demand.