Abstract
As more locations gain access to telecommunication, there is a growing demand to provide
energy in a reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly manner while effectively addressing
growing energy needs. Erratic power supply and rising operation costs (OPEX) in Nigeria have
increased the need to harness local renewable energy sources. Thus, identifying the right generator
schedule with the renewable system to reduce OPEX is a priority for operators and vendors.
This study evaluates the energy costs of hybrid systems with different generator schedules in
powering base transceiver stations in Nigeria using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric
Renewable (HOMER). A load range of 4 kW to 8 kW was considered using: (i) an optimised generator
schedule; (ii) forced-on generator schedule and (iii) the generator-only schedule. The results showed
an optimal LCOE range between averages of USD 0.156/kWh to 0.172/kWh for the 8 kW load.
The percent energy contribution by generator ranges from 52.80% to 60.90%, and by the solar PV
system, 39.10% to 47.20%. Excess energy ranges from 0.03% to 14.98%. The optimised generator
schedule has the highest solar PV penetration of 56.8%. The OPEX savings on fuel ranges from
41.68% to 47% for the different load schedules and carbon emission savings of 4222 kg to 31,428.36 kg.
The simulation results shows that powering base stations using the optimised hybrid system schedule
would be a better option for the telecom industry.