Harnessing Photovoltaic Solar Power in Rural Regions: A Case Study of Tehsil Saleh Pat, Sindh, Pakistan

Year 2024, EARLY VIEW, 1 - 1

Yusuf Öztürk , Muhammad Nouman Abbasi

https://doi.org/10.2339/politeknik.1446521

Abstract

Purpose: The primary objective of this research is to assess the viability and effectiveness of solar energy in rural areas, with a specific focus on Tehsil Saleh Pat, Goth Gagrawara, District Sukkur, Sindh, Pakistan. The study aims to understand the perception of the community towards a solar installation and delve into their opinions. Additionally, the research aims to investigate the energy usage patterns in rural regions, exploring both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of solar projects.
Methodology: The study employed a comprehensive approach, involving interviews and observations in Tehsil Saleh Pat, Goth Gagrawara. Both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of solar projects were consulted, and specific attention was given to the opinions of women in the village. Data collection also extended to evaluating the performance of an existing solar power facility in Gagrawara, Sindh, boasting an 8.6 kW power rating. The research included the analysis of extensive data on the solar system's performance and weather conditions over the years.
Findings: The findings of the research shed light on the commnity's perception of solar energy in rural areas, their opinions on specific solar installations, and the nuances of energy usage patterns. The study also presents an evaluation of the performance of the 8.6 kW solar power facility in Gagrawara, Sindh, providing valuable insights for the solar energy company operating in the region.
Originality: This research contributes to the originality of the field by providing a focused examination of the practical application and perception of solar energy in rural Sindh. The inclusion of community opinions, particularly those of women, adds a unique dimension to the study. Furthermore, the assessment of an existing solar power facility's performance contributes valuable, real-world data to the solar energy sector.

Keywords

Solar energy, Rural areas, Community perception, Energy usage patterns, Solar installation, Solar power facility, Performance evaluation.

Kırsal Bölgelerde Fotovoltaik Güneş Enerjisi Kullanımı: Tehsil Saleh Pat, Sindh, Pakistan Durum Çalışması

Abstract

Amaç: Bu araştırmanın temel amacı, Tehsil Saleh Pat, Goth Gagrawara, Sukkur Bölgesi, Sindh, Pakistan'a özel olarak odaklanarak kırsal alanlarda güneş enerjisinin uygulanabilirliğini ve etkinliğini değerlendirmektir. Çalışma, toplumun güneş enerjisi kurulumuna yönelik algısını anlamayı ve görüşlerini ortaya çıkarmayı amaçlamaktadır. Ayrıca araştırma, kırsal bölgelerdeki enerji kullanım modellerini araştırmayı, güneş enerjisi projelerinden hem faydalananları hem de faydalanmayanları keşfetmeyi amaçlamaktadır.
Yöntem: Çalışma Tehsil Saleh Pat, Goth Gagrawara'daki röportajları ve gözlemleri içeren kapsamlı bir yaklaşım kullandı. Güneş enerjisi projelerinden hem faydalanan hem de faydalanmayanlara danışıldı ve köydeki kadınların görüşlerine özel önem verildi. Veri toplama aynı zamanda Gagrawara, Sindh'de 8,6 kW güç derecesine sahip mevcut bir güneş enerjisi tesisinin performansının değerlendirilmesini de kapsayacak şekilde genişletildi. Araştırma, güneş sisteminin performansı ve yıllar içindeki hava koşulları hakkında kapsamlı verilerin analizini içeriyordu.
Bulgular: Araştırmanın bulguları, toplumun kırsal alanlardaki güneş enerjisi algısına, belirli güneş enerjisi tesislerine ilişkin görüşlerine ve enerji kullanım kalıplarındaki nüanslara ışık tutuyor. Çalışma aynı zamanda Gagrawara, Sindh'deki 8,6 kW'lık güneş enerjisi tesisinin performansına ilişkin bir değerlendirme sunarak bölgede faaliyet gösteren güneş enerjisi şirketine değerli bilgiler sağlıyor.
Özgünlük: Bu araştırma, kırsal Sindh'de güneş enerjisinin pratik uygulaması ve algısına odaklı bir inceleme sağlayarak alanın özgünlüğüne katkıda bulunmaktadır. Toplumun, özellikle de kadınların görüşlerinin yer alması, çalışmaya özgün bir boyut katıyor. Ayrıca mevcut bir güneş enerjisi tesisinin performansının değerlendirilmesi, güneş enerjisi sektörüne değerli, gerçek dünya verilerine katkıda bulunur.

Keywords

Güneş enerjisi, Kırsal alanlar, Toplum algısı, Enerji kullanım şekilleri, Güneş enerjisi kurulumu, Güneş enerjisi tesisi, Performans değerlendirmesi.

References

• [1] Warner, K. J., & Jones, G. A., “A population-induced renewable energy timeline in nine world regions”, Energy Policy, 101(August 2016), 65–76, (2017).
• [2] Ur Rehman, S. A., Cai, Y., Fazal, R., Walasai, G. Das, & Mirjat, N. H., “An integrated modeling approach for forecasting long-term energy demand in Pakistan”, Energies, 10(11), 1–23, (2017).
• [3] Pourasl, H. H., Barenji, R. V., & Khojastehnezhad, V. M., “Solar energy status in the world: A comprehensive review”, Energy Reports, 10, 3474-3493, (2023).
• [4] Akyüz, A., Yıldırım, R., Gungor, A., & Tuncer, A. D., “Experimental investigation of a solar-assisted air conditioning system: Energy and life cycle climate performance analysis”, Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, 43, 101960, (2023).
• [5] Sezen, K., & Gungor, A., “Comparison of solar assisted heat pump systems for heating residences: A review”, Solar Energy, 249, 424-445, (2023).
• [6] Kazmi, S. A. Z., Naaranoja, M., & Kantola, J., “Reviewing Pakistan’s Investment Potential as a Foreign Investor”, Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 235(October), 611–617, (2016).
• [7] Naz, M. Y., Bou-Rabee, M., Shukrullah, S., Ghaffar, A., Gungor, A., & Sulaiman, S. A., “A review of hybrid energy technologies tenets, controls and combinational strategies”, Cleaner Engineering and Technology, 5, 100340, (2021).
• [8] Ghafoor, A., & Munir, A., “Design and economics analysis of an off-grid PV system for household electrification”, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 42, 496–502, (2015).
• [9] Iqbal, W., Yumei, H., Abbas, Q., Hafeez, M., Mohsin, M., Fatima, A., Jamali, M. A., Jamali, M., Siyal, A., & Sohail, N., “Assessment of wind energy potential for the production of renewable hydrogen in Sindh Province of Pakistan”, Processes, 7(4), (2019).
• [10] Harijan, K., Uqaili, M. A., & Mirza, U. K., “Assessment of Solar PV Power Generation Potential in Pakistan”, Journal of Clean Energy Technologies, 3(1), 54–56, (2015).
• [11] Shaikh, P. H., Shaikh, F., & Mirani, M., “Solar energy: Topographical asset for Pakistan”, Applied Solar Energy (English Translation of Geliotekhnika), 49(1), 49–53, (2013).
• [12] Xu, L., Wang, Y., Solangi, Y. A., Zameer, H., & Shah, S. A. A., “Off-grid solar PV power generation system in Sindh, Pakistan: a techno-economic feasibility analysis”, Processes, 7(5), 308, (2019).
• [13] Borhanazad, H., Mekhilef, S., Saidur, R., & Boroumandjazi, G., “Potential application of renewable energy for rural electrification in Malaysia”, Renewable Energy, 59, 210–219, (2013).
• [14] Benghanem, M., “Optimization of tilt angle for solar panel: Case study for Madinah, Saudi Arabia”, Applied Energy, 88(4), 1427–1433, (2011).
• [15] Barker, L., Neber, M., & Lee, H., “Design of a low-profile two-axis solar tracker”, Solar Energy, 97, 569–576, (2013).
• [16] Shah, S. A. A., Valasai, G. Das, Memon, A. A., Laghari, A. N., Jalbani, N. B., & Strait, J. L., “Techno-economic analysis of solar PV electricity supply to rural areas of Balochistan, Pakistan”, Energies, 11(7), (2018).
• [17] Kotak, Y., Gul, M. S., Muneer, T., & Ivanova, S. M., “Impact of Ground Albedo on the Performance of PV Systems and its economic analysis”, International Conference on Solar Radiation and Daylight SOLARIS, April, 21–22, (2015).
• [18] Baurzhan, S., & Jenkins, G. P., “Off-grid solar PV: Is it an affordable or appropriate solution for rural electrification in Sub-Saharan African countries?”, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 60, 1405–1418, (2016).
• [19] Zhang, W., Zhao, Y., Huang, F., Zhong, Y., & Zhou, J., “Forecasting the energy and economic benefits of photovoltaic technology in china’s rural areas”, Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(15), (2021).
• [20] 20. Jabeen, M., Umar, M., Zahid, M., Ur Rehaman, M., Batool, R., & Zaman, K., “Socio-economic prospects of solar technology utilization in Abbottabad, Pakistan”, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 39, 1164–1172, (2014).
• [21] Ikram, M., Mahmoudi, A., Shah, S. Z. A., & Mohsin, M., “Forecasting number of ISO 14001 certifications of selected countries: application of even GM (1,1), DGM, and NDGM models”, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 12505–12521, (2019).
• [22] Baurzhan, S., & Jenkins, G. P., “On-grid solar PV versus diesel electricity generation in sub-Saharan Africa: Economics and GHG emissions”, Sustainability (Switzerland), 9(3), (2017).
• [23] Ullah, H., Kamal, I., Ali, A., & Arshad, N., “Investor focused placement and sizing of photovoltaic grid-connected systems in Pakistan”, Renewable Energy, 121(2018), 460–473, (2018).
• [24] Xu, L., Wang, Y., Solangi, Y. A., Zameer, H., & Shah, S. A. A., “Off-grid solar PV power generation system in Sindh, Pakistan: a techno-economic feasibility analysis”, Processes, 7(5), 308, (2019).
• [25] Zhang, W., Zhao, Y., Huang, F., Zhong, Y., & Zhou, J., “Forecasting the energy and economic benefits of photovoltaic technology in China’s rural areas”, Sustainability, 13(15), 8408, (2021).