Analysis of Solar PV Backup Systems in Urban Commercial Areas: A case of Dar es salaam City

The use of diesel and petrol engine generators and improper disposal of batteries in the urban commercial areas lead to environmental pollution. This study analyses financial viability of solar PV backup systems for small businesses in urban commercial areas. Field visits, system inspection, interviews and questionnaires are part of the methodology used for data collection. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel and Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) computer software. Financial evaluation was done using the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) method. Results obtained reveal that the application of solar backup systems for small businesses in Dar es salaam city is very rare. Most applications are in offices and households. In terms of cost the solar backup system with battery storage has shown high Net Present Cost (NPC) than the other options that were studied; followed by the solar backup system without battery storage; grid charged battery backup system and lastly the small diesel or petrol engine generators. Environmental pollution due to improperly disposed batteries and the application of diesel/ petrol generators are analyzed and it has been observed that continuing to use these systems as backup will have severe detrimental effect to our environment. The study concludes that solar PV backup systems can be cost effective only when a few important appliances will operate when there is power cut or if there will be incentives in place to offset the capital cost of solar PV systems.