Choice of Site for the Installation of Photovoltaic Solar Power Plants in Senegal: Consequences on Electricity Production

Abstract

A theoretical analysis of the electricity production of a photovoltaic solar power plant of 22 MW for different sites in Senegal is presented. The study is carried out in two coastal regions (Dakar and Saint-Louis) and two continental regions (Mbacké and Linguère). This study is done using the RET Screen clean energy project management software climate data. The amount of electricity exported to the grid is calculated for each site. The results show that the climatic conditions of the coastal and continental regions are different from November to June. From July to October, which corresponds to the rainy season in Senegal, the climatic conditions of the coastal and continental regions are similar. The results also show that although the efficiency of photo-voltaic modules is better on the coast, electricity production varies little from one site to another. Climate conditions in Senegal therefore have no impact on electricity production.