ABSTRACT
Universal access to electricity is the current focus all over the world, especially in the developing countries where the majority of those without electricity live today. The SDG7 committed the world countries to work together and provide access to electricity to all by the year 2030. In response to this agenda, the Kenyan government has expanded the national grid supply across the country through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), but the rate of connectivity in the rural regions is still very low despite the presence of the grid infrastructure. In addition, the government sought to increase access to electricity through solar energy in remote, low density and traditionally underserved counties through Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (K-OSAP). However, integration of PV power generators into the energy mix requires the right approach to design and operational planning due to fluctuation of their outputs. Sizing of an off-grid PV system is necessary at the planning stage to make it cost effective with regard to load demand and upfront cost. This paper present an economic study design of solar energy potential in Western Kenya Region using 100 W installed stand-alone PV system in a residential home as a case study through life cycle cost analysis method. Results show that the investment will be recovered in 6.38 years and levelized cost of energy of 3.5/kWh is attainable.
