Techno-economic Sizing of a Grid-connected Photovoltaic-battery System for a Slaughterhouse in Mbour, Senegal
Bertrand Tchanche *
Department of Physics, Alioune Diop University, Bambey, Senegal.
Ibrahima Famara Sane
Department of Physics, Alioune Diop University, Bambey, Senegal.
Awa Ba
ISFAR, Alioune Diop University, Bambey, Senegal.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Electricity costs and supply reliability are important constraints for refrigeration-dependent meat-processing facilities.
Aims: This study assessed a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV)-battery system for the Mbour slaughterhouse in Senegal using facility electricity records and a simulated operating profile.
Methods: Electricity bills, monthly energy consumption, maximum demand, and meat-production records for the available reference period were analysed. System sizing and techno-economic simulation were conducted in the System Advisor Model (version 2026.7.3). Technical evaluation considered annual generation, specific yield, capacity factor, performance ratio, grid interaction, and PV/BESS contribution. Economic evaluation considered capital cost, net present value (NPV), levelised cost of energy (LCOE), and payback.
Results: The proposed configuration comprised approximately 92 kWp of PV, about 70 kW of inverter capacity, and a battery system sized at 45 kW/180 kWh. Simulated PV generation was about 152 MWh/year, with a specific yield of 1,658 kWh/kWp, a capacity factor of 18.90%, and a performance ratio of 74%. The estimated CAPEX was $219,278. Under the stated tariff, replacement, and discount-rate assumptions over 25 years, the model yielded an NPV of −$14,948 and an LCOE of 15.90 ¢/kWh.
Conclusion: The configuration can reduce grid electricity expenditure, although economic performance remains sensitive to battery costs and replacement, electricity tariffs, export compensation, and financing conditions.
Keywords: Grid-connected photovoltaics, battery energy storage system, techno-economic assessment, slaughterhouse, energy efficiency, solar PV sizing, self-consumption, net present value, levelised cost of energy