Techno-economic analysis and environmental impact assessment of 3 MW photovoltaic power plant in Bangladesh: a case study based on real data

Photovoltaic-based power generation is increasing in Bangladesh. With the high level of availability and being cost-effective in contrast with off-gird plants, grid-connected solar photovoltaic plants are growing popularity. The present research analyses the techno-economic and environmental feasibility of a 3 MW grid-connected PV plant in Ishwardi of Pabna district, Bangladesh, where 2 cases have been considered as 50% and 80% loan financing. With 50% loan financing, the NPV, IRR and PBP were found to be USD 1,849,450, 14% and 7.03 years, respectively. The cost of electricity by on-grid solar system was found to be USD 0.06285/kWh in case of 50% loan financing. In the case of 80% loan financing showed the NPV, IRR and PBP results to be USD 1,098,086, 10% and 10.37 years, respectively. In the 20 years of life cycle, the PV plant can generate about 83,933 MWh electricity that can reduce about 54,791 tons of CO2, 573.3 tons of SO2, 144.7 tons of NOx and 28.6 tons of CO generations compared to the current generation mix in Bangladesh.