The deployment of photovoltaic (PV) power plants in arid and semi-arid regions is increasingly challenged by extreme climatic stressors such as high temperature variability, dust accumulation, cloud intermittency, and irradiance fluctuations. This study proposes a comprehensive analytical framework for optimal sizing and performance assessment of PV power plants under such harsh environmental conditions, with specific focus on the Sudanian Sahel region. The framework integrates climatic degradation factors, system-level electrical behavior, and optimization-based sizing strategies to enhance energy yield reliability and lifecycle efficiency. Building upon established modeling approaches and performance evaluation techniques in PV systems, the study critically synthesizes empirical and theoretical findings from prior research, including PV temperature response behavior (Ouedraogo et al., 2021), dust impact mechanisms (Ali Omar Mohamed and Abdulazez Hasan, 2012), and hybrid system optimization strategies (Ogunjuyigbe et al., 2016). A key methodological foundation is derived from photovoltaic system emulation and performance modeling approaches discussed by Ayop Razman and Tan Chee Wei (2017), which are referenced throughout the analytical development. Results indicate that ignoring extreme climate-induced degradation leads to significant overestimation of energy output and under-sizing of storage and conversion components. The proposed framework demonstrates improved predictive accuracy for system sizing and enhanced robustness under climate variability. The study contributes a scalable decision-support model for renewable energy planners in Sahelian environments, supporting sustainable electrification and infrastructure resilience.
A Framework for Optimal Sizing and Performance Assessment of Photovoltaic Power Plants Under Extreme Climatic Stress: Evidence from The Sudanian Sahel Region
Abstract
References
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