Abstract

Photovoltaic Geographical Information System insolation data scaled to summer equivalent months was used to establish the relationship between solar energy and solar power output in Argungu, Kebbi State Northwestern Nigeria. It was observed that if storage option is coupled in the system 1kWp of solar PV is capable of satisfying a typical household electricity demand in Argungu. The output of the research also shows that, solar system can be a reliable system of renewable electricity generation in supplying based load in rural locations in the Northwestern Nigeria where solar energy resources are in abundant and significant percentage of the dwellers are living completely off grid without any hope of being connected to national grid. The finding of the research reveals that, with government fiscal incentives as a payment to the individual’s investment in renewable energy, Nigeria has potential of becoming the leading renewable solar electricity country in the globe since 1kWp system can power a typical household electricity demand against the 3kWp which is considered to be typical household PV installation across the globe.

Key words: Solar Radiation, PVGIS, Argungu, 1kWp