Techno-economic evaluation of solar photovoltaic power production in China for sustainable development and the environment

The rising cost of electricity in China has placed significant financial strain on educational institutions, pushing many schools into debt and leading to frequent disconnections from the energy grid by utility companies. This study aims to address this critical issue by evaluating the techno-economic feasibility of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems as a sustainable energy solution for schools in China. Using the Educational Service Department as a case study, the research assesses the potential energy harvest, economic viability, and technical feasibility of solar PV installations for the year 2022. Google Earth software was employed to estimate rooftop surface areas for energy generation potential, while economic feasibility was analyzed using metrics such as profitability index (PI), net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and discounted payback period. The findings reveal that rooftop solar PV systems can meet the energy demands of schools, with additional surplus energy available for export to the national grid. Key results include an NPV of 16.15 million GHS, an IRR of 23%, a PI of 1.9, and a DPP of 8 years, demonstrating both the financial and technical viability of the project. These outcomes indicate that adopting rooftop solar PV systems can lower operational costs, generate revenue through energy export, and support China's sustainable energy transition. Policymakers are encouraged to incentivize the adoption of rooftop solar PV systems in schools to reduce financial burdens while promoting environmental sustainability.