Development of a User Friendly Cost Analysis Software for Photovoltaic and Diesel Generator Power Systems

In this work, a user friendly cost analysis software for solar photovoltaic (PV) and diesel power systems was developed using Java programming language and task model approach. The software was used to perform benefit to cost ratio (BCR) analysis and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) for Trina solar company (a solar PV module manufacturing company) and Generac Holdings Inc. (a diesel generator manufacturing company) taking into account the costs and benefits applicable to these companies. The purpose of the analysis was to determine the best option for investment and most cost effective option for consumers use. Performing BCR and LCCA involves complex mathematical calculations which are laborious for most power system users. Also, errors such as under sizing and over sizing of systems usually occur during sizing of power generating systems which results to inaccurate analysis and results. This software application was developed to address the errors stated above. The BCR result of the analysis carried out with the software application developed shows that both power options are beneficial for investment. However, solar PV is more beneficial with BCR value of 3.7 while Diesel generator is less beneficial with BCR value of 1.27. In addition, LCCA result of a household in Nsukka Enugu State, Nigeria shows that solar PV power option is more cost effective with value of N45577197.51 (45.6 million Naira) while diesel generator has value of N130651093.96 (130.7 million Naira) for a period of 25 years.