Photovoltaic power generation and its economic and environmental future in Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh is facing an energy crisis that is likely to become worse in the future because of insufficient power generation. Approximately 50% of the total population lives without grid-connected electricity. Moreover, the people connected to the grid are unable to access an even and continuous power supply on a daily basis. This research investigated the potential of renewable energy technologies, specifically photovoltaic (PV) power generation, and its economic and environmental impacts in Bangladesh. The concerns about the costs of PV technologies for Bangladesh were addressed by scenario modeling analysis and calculating the net present cost, cost of energy (COE), and bill savings for a 21-yr period. Results showed that 1 and 2 kWp systems could reduce the total energy cost by US$4495.856 and US$2191.69, respectively, and decrease the COE by 0.198 and 0.096 per kW h in a 21-yr period. Over a 21-yr period, 1 kWp PV systems could lower future emissions by a total of 10 162 kg of CO2, 65 kg of SO2, 30 kg of NOx, and 6 kg of CO, whereas 2 kWp PV systems could reduce future emissions by a total of 20 302 kg of CO2, 129 kg of SO2, 60 kg of NOx, and 12 kg of CO.