A Comparative Study of the Techno-Economic Feasibility of Grid and Hybrid Solar Energy Systems Versus the Government Electricity Tariff in Duhok, Kurdistan Region
Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1 Department of Mechanic and Solar Energy, Duhok Technical Institute, Duhok Polytechnic University, Duhok, Iraq
2 Department of Energy Engineering, Technical College of Engineering, Duhok Polytechnic University, Duhok, Iraq
10.22059/jser.2026.404772.1661
Abstract
A techno-economic assessment of distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems in Duhok, Kurdistan Region, was conducted under the newly implemented Government Electricity (Runakî) tariff using a 15-year discounted cash-flow (DCF) framework with a 10% real discount rate. On-grid and hybrid (PV + battery) configurations were evaluated using levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), net present value (NPV), and payback period indicators. Solar resource data from NASA POWER assumed a baseline performance ratio of 0.80, while hybrid systems accounted for battery round-trip efficiency losses (η = 0.85). Discounted LCOE values were 0.041 USD/kWh for on-grid PV and 0.1066 USD/kWh for hybrid systems. On-grid systems yielded positive NPVs and short payback periods across industrial and commercial sectors, while hybrid systems became economically viable primarily at high residential demand levels or when enhanced reliability and energy autonomy are prioritized. Sensitivity analysis identified capital expenditure and PV performance (PR/PVOUT) as dominant economic drivers, followed by discount rate and operation and maintenance costs. Overall, the results indicate that on-grid PV systems can economically complement the Government Electricity program under the Runakî tariff, whereas hybrid systems are justified where storage-based resilience, supply security, or diesel displacement provides additional value beyond cost minimization.
Keywords
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