Analysis of a self-sufficient photovoltaic system for a remote, off-grid community

Abstract

Background A photovoltaic (PV) system, especially the stand-alone type, along with a battery storage system, plays a significant role in providing the needed electrical energy to remote, off-grid communities. Methods In this study, a stand-alone PV solar cell was enhanced to better understand the system operation. Modeling and simulation were performed using MATLAB software. Results This work has shown that the I-V (current-voltage) and P-V (power-voltage) characteristics of the modelled system have a profound effect on energy when a pulse width modulation controller is used as a charger. The modelled PV system generated the required energy under different conditions, considering temperature and PV battery voltage mismatches. Conclusion In summary, the simulated model in this study can be considered a system capable of detecting different conditions with the presence or absence of light at different temperatures. Finally, monitoring the temperatures, adjusting the voltage with a suitable charger controller, and selecting solar modules made of optimal materials can increase the efficiency of the solar system and allow it to be used in more applications.