GREEN HYDROGEN PRODUCTION FROM SOLAR-POWERED ELECTROLYSIS: TECHNO-ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY

Abstract

The transition from fossil fuels has placed green hydrogen at the center of sustainable energy strategies. Produced via water electrolysis powered by renewable, it provides a zero-emission fuel for industry, transport, and energy storage. Among renewable pathways, solar-powered electrolysis is particularly promising in high-irradiance regions like Rajasthan, India. This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of an integrated photovoltaic (PV)-electrolyzer system by analyzing climatic data, technical specifications, and economic parameters such as capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating costs. The primary challenge lies in balancing intermittent solar supply with continuous hydrogen demand while maintaining cost competitiveness. Modeling different configurations, we estimated hydrogen yield, system efficiencies, and Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH). Results show that a 100 MWp PV plant can produce 2,850–3,600 tons of hydrogen annually at ~12% efficiency, with an LCOH of USD 3.4–4.2/kg. Findings confirm technical feasibility and highlight cost reductions in PV and electrolyzers as critical for large-scale adoption.