Viability of on-grid residential PV systems in southwest Kazakhstan. Case: Mangystau Region

This article aims to determine technical-economic viability of on-grid PV market for residential houses in Mangystau region, located in southwest of Kazakhstan. This region of the country was chosen for its favourable location and generous annual insolation. The study considered PV system modules made of local high quality silicon manufactured by "Astana Solar" LLP. A 4.6 kWp-29m2 PV system installed on the roof of a typical cottage house in Aktau city (capital of Mangystau region) was the proposed scenario. Results demonstrate that proposed system may export 6 MWh of electricity to the grid per year. Feed-in-tariff (FIT) of 34.61 KZT/kWh was considered in the analysis as a recently approved policy in the country. An estimated CAPEX of 1 815 665 KZT subject to a 50% subsidy by DAMU Government fund in place, with the remainder 50% taken as a loan with interest rate of 7% were assumed. Results of the Life Cycle Cost Assessment of the project led to an IRR of 21%, NPV of 513014 KZT, and B-C ratio of 1.57. The simple payback for the proposed 4.6 kWp system would be 5.8 years. The effect of using a second-tier bank and a FIT increased in 10 KZT/kWh are also assessed.