Loading...
Techno-economic assessment of solar-powered lighting: a case study of the Cape Town Metropolitan area
Author(s)
Machisa, Silver Takudzwa
Date Issued
2024
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
This research addresses the critical need for sustainable and cost-effective public lighting
solutions in the Cape Town Metropolitan Area, where previous literature has overlooked a
comprehensive evaluation of solar lighting systems in urban settings. This has led to
uncertainties in optimal system architecture, cost-effectiveness compared to traditional gridpowered
lighting, energy consumption patterns, and technical feasibility under specific
meteorological conditions. The primary research question driving this study is the feasibility
and economic viability of solar-powered street lighting in Cape Town. To bridge these gaps,
the research employs a thorough analysis that includes system architecture exploration, costeffectiveness
comparisons, energy consumption pattern analysis, and technical feasibility
assessment under Cape Town's unique meteorological conditions, utilising quantitative data
collection and analysis methods. The research aims to determine the feasibility, costeffectiveness,
and potential benefits of solar-powered lighting systems for urban sustainability,
with anticipated outcomes that include insights into system architecture optimisation, cost
comparisons, energy consumption patterns, and technical feasibility to guide decision-making
in urban lighting infrastructure planning. This study fills the gap in understanding the economic
feasibility, technical viability, and societal impact of scaling up solar-powered lighting in urban
settings like Cape Town. The findings are expected to inform policymakers, lighting suppliers,
and residents, potentially reducing reliance on conventional energy sources, cutting electricity
costs, and promoting renewable energy and sustainable development. Ultimately, this
research contributes valuable insights to the broader discourse on integrating solar energy
solutions in urban environments.
solutions in the Cape Town Metropolitan Area, where previous literature has overlooked a
comprehensive evaluation of solar lighting systems in urban settings. This has led to
uncertainties in optimal system architecture, cost-effectiveness compared to traditional gridpowered
lighting, energy consumption patterns, and technical feasibility under specific
meteorological conditions. The primary research question driving this study is the feasibility
and economic viability of solar-powered street lighting in Cape Town. To bridge these gaps,
the research employs a thorough analysis that includes system architecture exploration, costeffectiveness
comparisons, energy consumption pattern analysis, and technical feasibility
assessment under Cape Town's unique meteorological conditions, utilising quantitative data
collection and analysis methods. The research aims to determine the feasibility, costeffectiveness,
and potential benefits of solar-powered lighting systems for urban sustainability,
with anticipated outcomes that include insights into system architecture optimisation, cost
comparisons, energy consumption patterns, and technical feasibility to guide decision-making
in urban lighting infrastructure planning. This study fills the gap in understanding the economic
feasibility, technical viability, and societal impact of scaling up solar-powered lighting in urban
settings like Cape Town. The findings are expected to inform policymakers, lighting suppliers,
and residents, potentially reducing reliance on conventional energy sources, cutting electricity
costs, and promoting renewable energy and sustainable development. Ultimately, this
research contributes valuable insights to the broader discourse on integrating solar energy
solutions in urban environments.
Additional information
Thesis (MEng (Engineering Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2024
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Loading...
Name
Machisa, ST_222619147.pdf
Size
13.94 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum
(MD5):fa7ab26755a715c8c3a7dfb741642e8f