Design Hybrid Solar-Battery Methodology for Remote Communities

Velásquez R.M.A.; Lara J.V.M. · Proceedings of the 2025 IEEE 32nd International Conference on Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computing, INTERCON 2025 (2025) · DOI: 10.1109/intercon67304.2025.11244662

Resumen

This paper developed the methodology for design, simulation, and techno-economic evaluation of a hybrid renewable energy system, with a case study of a remote community in south America, aimed at reducing reliance on diesel generation. The proposed system integrates photovoltaic solar power and a lithium-ion battery energy storage system to enhance energy reliability, reduce fuel consumption, and improve cost efficiency. A comprehensive methodology was applied to assess load profiles, solar resource potential, technical constraints, and environmental regulations. Geographic Information Systems and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis were used to identify optimal sites. Simulation results showed that the hybrid configuration reduced annual diesel consumption by 91.3%, from 570,730 liters to 49,650 liters, while supplying over 716 MWh/year from solar PV. The Net Present Cost (NPC) decreased to $2.73 million, the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) was reduced to $0.0961/kWh, and the system achieved an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 7.91% with a 9.05-year payback period. The BESS operated at 89.5% round-trip efficiency and enabled daily energy shifting and peak shaving. These results confirm that hybrid PV-BESS systems offer a viable, cost-effective solution for decarbonizing off-grid communities while enhancing operational flexibility and energy security.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa