Central versus off-grid photovoltaic system, the optimum option for the domestic sector based on techno-economic-environmental assessment for United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) is a solar-rich region aiming to achieve 44% clean energy portion in the total energy mix by 2050. Harnessing the available infinite solar renewable energy source and integrating it with the existing power infrastructure is necessary. In this context, a comprehensive technical, economic, and environmental assessment of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system for the domestic sector is presented considering U.A.E case study. The central and off-grid photovoltaic systems’ configurations are modeled to evaluate its comparative viability for six selected latitude positions of U.A.E. Further, three different photovoltaic technologies (i.e., mono-crystalline, poly-crystalline, and thin-film) are analyzed to conclude the optimum selection. Climatic conditions like incident solar radiations, humidity, air temperature, and cooling degree-days are used to conduct the feasibility assessment using the RETScreen software, where the capacity factor, the number of PV units required, base case fuel savings, net present value, payback period, and benefit-cost ratio are evaluated. Effect of reducing the battery bank size from 24 hrs to 12 hrs backup is also elaborated. The central-grid photovoltaic system configuration is concluded comparatively more viable than off-grid PV system supported by all techno-economic aspects and more environment friendly reducing 229–237 tCO₂ greenhouse gas emissions during the project life.