A Comparative Analysis of Renewable Energy Using Biogas and Solar Photovoltaic Systems: A Case Study of Ajaba, In Osun State

Abstract

Renewable energy source is the energy obtained from natural and persistent flow of energy occurring in the immediate environment. Renewable energy systems are becoming widespread due to adverse environmental impacts and escalation in energy costs linked with the exercise of established energy sources. Solar and biogas are recognized as having the highest social, economic and environmental benefits of the renewable energy sources existing and also are the most feasible to use in a renewable hybrid energy system for electricity generation. This paper  compares biogas and solar energy for “Ajaba” near Ila-Orangun in Osun State to know the best renewable energy source for the area. The study considers photovoltaic cells as the device for trapping and converting solar energy to electrical energy while pig dung was used to prepare the digester materials for biogas energy and bio-digesters were used to convert the digester to electrical energy through dual ac generator. The simulation was carried out using MATLAB software to calculate the output energy. The result reveals that biogas energy generated more energy and performs better as compared to the solar energy for the area. This paper forms a basic for evaluation and performance of biogas energy for rural communities.

Keywords: Renewable Energy, Biogas Energy, Solar Energy, MATLAB, Power, Photovoltaic, Bio-digester.