Feasibility and Performance Analysis of Solar Energy Integration into National Grid for Improved Power Supply, Using Umuezerokam Community, Nigeria as a Case Study

Nigeria, as a developing country, faces persistent challenges with epileptic power supply, particularly in rural communities. This study investigates the technical feasibility and performance of integrating solar energy into Nigeria’s national grid to enhance electricity supply, using Umuezerokam community in Imo State as a case study. The objective is to assess the solar energy potential and system performance of a 750 kW grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system through advanced simulation using the Solargis-pvPlanner tool. Key performance indicators, including Global Tilted Irradiation (GTI) averaging 140–160 kWh/m²/month, specific PV output ranging from 99.2 to 125 kWh/kWp, and a Performance Ratio (PR) averaging 80.7%, were analyzed based on site-specific solar and meteorological data. The results reveal that Umuezerokam experiences an annual average solar irradiance of approximately 4.6 kWh/m²/day, making it highly suitable for solar electricity generation. Simulation outcomes show that the proposed solar PV system can produce about 1.019 GWh annually, meeting the estimated energy needs of over 300 households and improving daily electricity supply from an average of 5–6 hours to about 11 hours. The study concludes that solar energy integration into the national grid is technically feasible and capable of significantly enhancing electricity supply in rural Nigeria. Furthermore, adopting such solutions would contribute to Nigeria's sustainable development goals by promoting the use of renewable energy. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers, investors, and local authorities seeking to address energy poverty through clean energy technologies.