POWERING OF RADIO COMMUNICATION STATIONS IN REMOTE AREAS BY SOLAR PV: OPTIMAL SYSTEM DESIGN AND ECONOMICS

This thesis presents a methodology to design optimum PV power systems for powering radio mobile communication stations in Palestinian remote areas instead of the currently used diesel generator power systems. Analysis are carried out to provide economic evaluation in terms of several economic screening methods based on life cycle cost and energy unit cost. The obtained results show that PV power systems are economically more feasible than diesel power systems for radio communication stations in the remote areas of Palestine. An average amounting to 57% of total yearly energy cost can be saved by using PV instead of diesel. In addition, an average of 0.49 USD/kWh is the cost of PV energy unit compared to an average of 1.14 USD/kWh for diesel. Furthermore, the use of PV solar systems reinforces healthy Palestinian environment due to the positive impact represented in protecting the environment by reducing 2.63 kg of CO2 emissions for each 1 liter of diesel used for power generation. Moreover, the use of PV power contributes in the independency policy of energy sources and consequently in supporting the Palestinian economy.