Harnessing solar energy: Feasibility assessment of 75 MW solar PV plant in a community in South Africa

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, the need for sustainable energy sources has become more pressing than ever before. This has led to a surge in interest in renewable energy globally, with solar energy being a top contender. However, the transition to solar energy is not without its challenges, particularly for disadvantaged communities, and is a topic of great significance in today's world. This research focuses on how solar energy applications might help solve and advance regional sustainable energy supply. The aim of this study is to propose suggestions on how to ensure sustainable energy supply with the use of solar energy to meet the disadvantaged communities’ fundamental energy needs. An online questionnaire was prepared to collect solutions and ideas about electricity access problems. The data collected from 405 participants was analyzed using various statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, correlation analysis, and non-parametric tests with SPSS. The results indicate that 48.3% of the participants had an idea about the energy access problem, 91.4% of the participants were positively associated with solar energy, and there was a low level of interest (27.70%) among participants in building solar power plants. Statistical and software-based analyses using RETScreen Expert demonstrated the feasibility of implementing solar photovoltaic systems in South Africa, with financial and environmental benefits, including significant CO₂ reductions and economic returns. Key contributions include identifying the critical role of education and policy in accelerating solar energy adoption, presenting a feasible solar plant design, and showcasing its environmental and economic advantages. The findings highlight the potential of the solar energy to bridge the energy gap, reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources, and drive sustainable energy supply development.