Analysis and Efficiency Evaluation of Renewable Energy Projects Using RETScreen: Application to Photovoltaic and Wind Energy

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the potential, performance, and long-term viability of grid-connected renewable energy projects—specifically solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy systems—utilizing the industry-standard RETScreen Clean Energy Management software. Focusing on commercial-scale installations situated in the hyper-arid climate of the Adrar region in southwestern Algeria, this work rigorously examines the multi-dimensional environmental, technical, and economic feasibility of these clean energy alternatives. Simulations performed within the RETScreen Expert platform integrate localized long-term regional climate data, precise manufacturer technical specifications of high-efficiency hardware, and current macroeconomic financial parameters. This modeling framework allows for the accurate estimation of annual clean energy production, system degradation rates, project lifecycle profitability, and net greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. The empirical results explicitly highlight the critical utility of RETScreen software as a high-fidelity decision-making tool in the early-stage planning and risk mitigation phases of renewable energy infrastructures. Furthermore, the financial analyses demonstrate that both the solar photovoltaic and wind energy configurations offer highly favorable payback periods and robust internal rates of return (IRR). Finaly, this research provides actionable engineering insights confirming that large-scale deployment of these technologies can successfully decarbonize the localized regional grid, reduce heavy reliance on fossil fuels, and significantly mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in southern Algeria.