Investigative Study of Installed Solar Energy System at Islamic University of Gaza

Abstract

The Islamic University of Gaza, IUG, relies on several sources of energy to meet its electricity demands. Since Gaza Strip suffers from a chronic blackout electricity problem where electricity is being cutoff from the main electrical distribution company for over 50% of the time, it uses several other options to compensate for those times. In the past, it mainly relied on diesel power generators; however, it recently started to relies more and more on its rooftops solar PV systems to meet its electricity demands. IUG solar PV systems works both on grid and off grid; however, in order to achieve the greatest benefit from the system, it is preferred to use on grid connection. This research focuses on investigating integrated analytical data of the solar system in terms of its production capabilities and efficiency. The study is based on the analysis of the solar system located on the southern side of IUG main campus. Based on the data collected from the electrical meters on the system and its statistical representation for the year 2021, the study provides suggestions to improve and to develop the system and to solve identified system’s problems. The project relied on the methodology of monthly data collection of 2021 and its analysis by means of computer programs - Excel and Python. The results of the research present a detailed study of the solar system in the southern side of the Islamic University, detailed accurate numerical values for the amount of energy produced and consumed, financial return provided by the system, obstacles and recommendation to increase its efficiency. The study shows an annual reduction of the university electricity bill of about ${\$}70,000$ that can be increased to ${\$}100,000$ by following the recommendations.