Renewable Energy Development in Funafuti: Photovoltaic System Design and Economic Performance

School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom

^* Corresponding author: ee22yz3@leeds.ac.uk

Abstract

Funafuti, the capital of Tuvalu, currently depends heavily on imported fossil fuels for its electricity generation, rendering the energy supply both expensive and environmentally unsustainable. However, the territory’s abundant solar resources offer a promising pathway toward cleaner, renewable energy sources. This research investigates the design and economic evaluation of a photovoltaic (PV) energy system for Funafuti, with the aim of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy adoption. The study utilizes HelioScope for PV system design and HOMER Pro for system integration and economic analysis. The findings suggest that while a 100% renewable energy system can significantly lower emissions, it is the judicious integration of storage that is pivotal to achieving economic viability The most cost-effective system configuration substantially reduces the net present cost (NPC) and operational expenses when compared to fossil fuel-based systems, thereby emphasizing the critical role of storage in bolstering both energy security and economic efficiency. The lowest-cost system configuration significantly reduces the net present cost (NPC) and operational costs compared to fossil fuel-based systems, highlighting the critical role of storage in enhancing both energy reliability and cost-effectiveness.