Evaluation of optimal photovoltaic hybrid systems for remote villages in Far North Cameroon

Abstract

Optimal photovoltaic hybrid systems (PVHS) have been evaluated for remote villages in Far North Cameroon using a recent iterative optimisation method based on desired annual number of generator hours and the Net Present Value technique. PVHS configurations with the same PV array size were computed for varying energy demand (D1) and constant daily energy demand (D2) when the minimum desired renewable energy fraction was set to 20%. However, the annual diesel generator operating times in PVHS configurations were found to be higher for D1 at renewable energy fractions greater than 71.9%.The results of economic analysis using a PV module cost of a remote fuel price of 1.12 €/l, inflation rate of 5%, discount rate of 6%, 2 days autonomy, PV module costs in the range 7.5 €/Wp–0.75 €/Wp, and fuel escalation rate in the range 5%–20%, showed that PVHS were the optimal options for D2 for all combinations of sensitivity variables. PVHS were also found to be the optimal option for D1 at a fuel escalation rate of at most 10%. SPVS were found to be optimal option for D1 at a fuel escalation is at least 15% and PV module costs are in the range 2.25 €/Wp −0.75 €/Wp. The renewable energy fractions evaluated for optimal PVHS options were found to be in the ranges 88.7%–97.0% and 89.4%–99.9 % for D1 and D2 respectively. Consequently, PVHS are the optimal power option for the electrification of villages in Far North Cameroon, with annual solar insolation of at least 5.5 kWh/m2/d and annual energy demand of 72.6 kWh/d if the fuel escalation rate is at most 10%.