<p>The abundance of solar energy in Akure, South-West Nigeria and its feasibility as an alternative energy source has been proven. However, cheap, Government subsidized but unreliable grid electricity and high cost of solar equipment are considered the major hindrances to deployment of solar energy for improved power supply and environmental sustainability. An earlier work pointed out realistic pricing of electricity, reduced cost of solar equipment and reduction in solar cell degradation factor as major factors capable of speeding up parity hence, motivating solar energy consumption. It showed that parity is attainable within 14 years. Documented significant improvements in these factors in recent times are the motivations for this review. This review cost-comparatively re-assesses both sources of energy under the prevailing National electricity policy and market realities using simple mathematical and graphical modeling techniques. This is with a view to determining a new timing for parity of solar energy with grid supply. Results showed that solar PV-grid energy cost parity is now attainable within 6 years in the study region. It was also observed that sustained improvement in grid energy unit cost and reduction in cost of solar equipment and accessories may accelerate solar-grid energy parity to less than three years.</p>
This paper aimed to model lightning strike events and evaluate its correlation with power outages in a Nigerian power distribution system. A specified coastal distribution network of southwest Nigeria was selected as a case study. Zone-specific records of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes for 84 months were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet); records of power outage frequencies and durations for 36 months were obtained at the substations of the selected distribution network. Using numerical statistical analysis techniques, lightning activity in the system area were characterized in relative frequency terms, and correlation statistics were evaluated and analyzed for power outages and lightning events on the 11kV, 33kV, and 132kV voltage levels. An analysis of the results shows that the modelled lightning strike events patterns are closely related but the expected frequencies vary from one zone to another; and there is correlation between lightning strike and power outages in the distribution networks, which is strong and positive at the 33 kV and 132 kV circuits. In essence, the results provided salient information, useful for power systems lightning protection review, management and planning in the area.
Keyword:Lightning
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