Techno-economic feasibility analyses of grid- connected solar photovoltaic power plants for small scale industries of Punjab, Pakistan

The globally soaring energy prices and electricity shortfall are major hurdles in the economic development of Pakistan. To cope with periodic power outages, small medium enterprise (SME) business owners have to fall back on alternate sources such as backup generators uninterruptible supplies (UPS), which further increase per kWh cost electricity, quality issues, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. On contrary, grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) systems not only economical sustainable but support national grid mitigate environmental This study aims investigate compare techno-economic viability grid-connected plants for manufacturing SME sector four different districts Punjab, Based technical, financial, indicators, a detailed techno-economic, sensitivity, GHG emission analysis is conducted using RETScreen Expert software. research findings clearly show that proposed PV projects all locations technically, financially, environmentally viable, however, Sargodha compared other sites most feasible location highest capacity factor 17.8 %, internal rate return 14.9 lowest payback period 7.7 years, least levelized 8.5 ¢/kWh. For validation, simulation results performance metrics from erected various parts world. Applying same approach whole industrial Punjab recommends adding 13,469 MW satisfy industry’s 20446.21 GWh annual consumption cut emissions by 90,17,581 t CO2 year. work presents guidelines researchers evaluate feasibility suitable technologies thereby helping investors holistic view potential investment zones.