Design and Comprehensive Simulation of 5 MWp and 10 MWp Solar Power Plants in Ma'an: Detailed System Design, Economic Returns, and Environmental Benefits in a Semi-Arid Climate

Abstract

The energy sector in Jordan is facing major challenges due to the increasing demand for elec-tricity and limited oil resources, which calls for the search for sustainable solutions. This study aims to present a comprehensive design of a solar power plant, starting with site selection in Ma'an, Jordan, where a careful analysis of solar radiation and environmental conditions was per-formed to ensure efficient production. The optimal tilt angle of the solar panels was determined at 30 degrees to maximize the absorption of solar radiation and improve system efficiency. In addition, a scientific methodology was applied to select the appropriate electrical cables, ensur-ing the minimization of electrical losses and achieving the highest level of operational efficiency. On the economic level, a comprehensive financial analysis was conducted to assess the invest-ment feasibility of the project, where the results showed that the plant achieves high investment returns and a short payback period, which enhances the feasibility of investing in solar energy projects. Moreover, the amount of GHG emission reduction achieved by the plant was calculat-ed, highlighting its effective role in reducing the carbon footprint and promoting environmental sustainability. This study reflects the importance of investing in solar energy projects, especially in semi-arid regions with high solar radiation, as they provide effective solutions to achieve en-ergy sustainability and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Keywords

• renewable energy
• solar energy
• energy sustainabilty
• economic analysis

Design and Comprehensive Simulation of 5 MWp and 10 MWp Solar Power Plants in Ma'an: Detailed System Design, Economic Returns, and Environmental Benefits in a Semi-Arid Climate

Öz

The energy sector in Jordan is facing major challenges due to the increasing demand for elec-tricity and limited oil resources, which calls for the search for sustainable solutions. This study aims to present a comprehensive design of a solar power plant, starting with site selection in Ma'an, Jordan, where a careful analysis of solar radiation and environmental conditions was per-formed to ensure efficient production. The optimal tilt angle of the solar panels was determined at 30 degrees to maximize the absorption of solar radiation and improve system efficiency. In addition, a scientific methodology was applied to select the appropriate electrical cables, ensur-ing the minimization of electrical losses and achieving the highest level of operational efficiency. On the economic level, a comprehensive financial analysis was conducted to assess the invest-ment feasibility of the project, where the results showed that the plant achieves high investment returns and a short payback period, which enhances the feasibility of investing in solar energy projects. Moreover, the amount of GHG emission reduction achieved by the plant was calculat-ed, highlighting its effective role in reducing the carbon footprint and promoting environmental sustainability. This study reflects the importance of investing in solar energy projects, especially in semi-arid regions with high solar radiation, as they provide effective solutions to achieve en-ergy sustainability and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• renewable energy
• solar energy
• sustainablity
• economic analysis

Kaynakça

1. [1] Cerovsky, Z. and P. Mindl. Hybrid electric cars, combustion engine driven cars and their impact on environment. in 2008 International Symposium on Power Electronics, Electrical Drives, Automation and Motion. 2008. IEEE, doi:10.1109/SPEEDHAM.2008.4581321
2. [2] Al-Smairan, M., et al., Experimental Analysis of Weather Condition Effects on Photovoltaic Systems’ Performance: A Jordan Case Study. Journal of Engineering, 2024. 2024(1): p. 9321648, doi:10.1155/2024/9321648
3. [3] Vohra, K., et al., Global mortality from outdoor fine particle pollution generated by fossil fuel combustion: Results from GEOS-Chem. Environmental research, 2021. 195: p. 110754, doi:10.1016/j.envres.2021.110754
4. [4] (UNCED), U.N.C.o.E.a.D., Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, in United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. 1992: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
5. [5] Al-Habaibeh, A., et al., Solar energy in Jordan: Investigating challenges and opportunities of using domestic solar energy systems. World Development Sustainability, 2023. 3: p. 100077, doi:10.1016/j.wds.2023.100077
6. [6] Sarı, V. and F.Y. Özyiğit, Sivas ilinin farklı ilçelerinde şebeke bağlantılı güneş enerji santrallerinin tasarımı ve analizi. Avrupa Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi, 2020(20): p. 425-437, doi:10.31590/ejosat.797434
7. [7] Nnabuife, S.G., et al., Innovative Strategies for Combining Solar and Wind Energy with Green Hydrogen Systems. Applied Sciences, 2024. 14(21): p. 9771, doi:10.3390/app14219771
8. [8] Al-Bajjali, S.K. and A.Y. Shamayleh, Estimating the determinants of electricity consumption in Jordan. Energy, 2018. 147: p. 1311-1320, doi:10.1016/j.energy.2018.01.010

9. [9] Al-Najideen, M.I. and S.S. Alrwashdeh, Design of a solar photovoltaic system to cover the electricity demand for the faculty of Engineering-Mu'tah University in Jordan. Resource-Efficient Technologies, 2017. 3(4): p. 440-445, doi:10.1016/j.reffit.2017.04.005
10. [10] Salah, A.A., M.M. Shalby, and F. Basim Ismail, The status and potential of renewable energy development in Jordan: exploring challenges and opportunities. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, 2023. 19(1): p. 2212517, doi:10.1080/15487733.2023.2212517
11. [11] Bataineh, A., A. Alqudah, and A. Athamneh, Optimal design of hybrid power generation system to ensure reliable power supply to the health center at Umm Jamal, Mafraq, Jordan. Energy and Environment Research, 2014. 4(3): p. 9, doi:10.5539/eer.v4n3p9
12. [12] Al-Omari, Z., N. Khlaifat, and M. Haddad, A feasibility study of combining solar/wind energy to power a water pumping system in Jordan's Desert/Al-Mudawwara village. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 2025. 25: p. 100555, doi:10.1016/j.indic.2024.100555
13. [13] Alrwashdeh, S.S., F.M. Alsaraireh, and M.A. Saraireh, Solar radiation map of Jordan governorates. International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 2018. 7(3): p. 1664-1667, doi:10.14419/ijet.v7i3.15557
14. [14] Solargis. Available from: https://solargis.com/maps-and-gis-data/download/jordan.
15. [15] Narasimhan, A. Qualitative Assessment of PV System Cable Loss and Practical Cost Optimization. in 2020 IEEE International Conference on Electronics, Computing and Communication Technologies (CONECCT). 2020. IEEE, doi:10.1109/CONECCT50063.2020.9198671
16. [16] Micheli, L., et al., Quantifying the impact of inverter clipping on photovoltaic performance and soiling losses. Renewable Energy, 2024. 225: p. 120317, doi:10.1016/j.renene.2024.120317
17. [17] Al-Enezi, F., J. Sykulski, and M. Rotaru, Grid-connected photovoltaic module and array sizing based on an iterative approach. SGCE International Journal of Smart Grid and Clean Energy, 2014. 3(2): p. 247-254.
18. [18] Arndt, R. and R. Puto, Basic understanding of IEC standard testing for photovoltaic panels. TÜV SÜD Prod. Serv, 2010.
19. [19] Gan, C.K., et al. Role of losses in design of DC cable for solar PV applications. in 2014 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference (AUPEC). 2014. IEEE, doi:10.1109/AUPEC.2014.6966594
20. [20] Ilıca, A. and M. Serdar, Electrical sizing of grid-connected photovoltaic systems. Pamukkale Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 2024. 30(4): p. 451-462, doi: 10.5505/pajes.2023.24896
21. [21] Božiková, M., et al., The effect of azimuth and tilt angle changes on the energy balance of photovoltaic system installed in the Southern Slovakia region. Applied Sciences, 2021. 11(19): p. 8998, doi:10.3390/app11198998
22. [22] Siraki, A.G. and P. Pillay, Study of optimum tilt angles for solar panels in different latitudes for urban applications. Solar energy, 2012. 86(6): p. 1920-1928, doi:10.1016/j.solener.2012.02.030
23. [23] Shivalingaswamy, T. and B. Kagali, Determination of the Declination of the Sun on a Given Day. European Journal of Physics Education, 2012. 3(1).
24. [24] Masters, G.M., Renewable and efficient electric power systems. 2013: John Wiley & Sons.
25. [25] Jaseem, B.M.H. and M.S.S. Al-Kafaji, Evaluating and Analyzing The Transposition Factor In Al-Musayyib Technical College to Setting The Optimal Tilt Angle for Fixed And Seasonal Orientation. Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología-Serie de Conferencias, 2024. 3: p. 853-853, doi:10.56294/sctconf2024853
26. [26] Sathyanarayana, P., et al., Effect of shading on the performance of solar PV panel. Energy and Power, 2015. 5(1A): p. 1-4, doi:10.5923/c.ep.201501.01
27. [27] Bayyiğit, A.; Çinici, O.K.; Acir, A. Tek YÜzeylİ Ve Çİft YÜzeylİ Fotovoltaİk Panellerİn Performans Analİzİ. Gazi Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi Part C: Tasarım ve Teknoloji 2023, 11, 407-420, doi:10.29109/gujsc.1298017.
28. [28] Rodrigues, S., et al., Economic feasibility analysis of small scale PV systems in different countries. Solar Energy, 2016. 131: p. 81-95, doi:10.1016/j.solener.2016.02.019
29. [29] Zaini, N., et al. The effect of temperature on a mono-crystalline solar PV panel. in 2015 IEEE Conference on Energy Conversion (CENCON). 2015. IEEE, doi:10.1109/CENCON.2015.7409548
30. [30] Carbon intensity of electricity generation. Available from: https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/carbon-intensity-electricity?tab=chart&country=~JOR.
31. [31] IEA. Available from: https://www.iea.org/countries/jordan/electricity.
32. [32] Alshare, A., et al., Energy and economic analysis of a 5 MW photovoltaic system in northern Jordan. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2020. 21: p. 100722, doi:10.1016/j.csite.2020.100722