Abstract
We present a geographic information system (GIS)-based tool for estimating the performance of photovoltaic (PV) mini-grid system over large geographical areas. The methodology consists of geospatial analysis and mapping of the energy output and reliability of PV mini-grid system. The algorithm uses a combination of hourly solar radiation data from satellites combined with measured data on PV module and battery performance and estimated electricity consumption data. The methods also make it possible to optimize the PV array and battery storage size for a given location. Results are presented for an area covering Africa and most of Southern and Central Asia. We also investigate the effects of using Li-ion batteries instead of the traditional lead-acid batteries. The use of our spatial analysis as decision support tool could help governments, local authorities and non-governmental organizations to investigate the suitability of PV mini-grids for electrification of regions where access to electricity is lacking. In this way it is possible to identify areas where PV mini-grids are most suitable.
Highlights
The use of our spatial analysis as decision support tool could help governments, local authorities and non-governmental organizations to investigate the suitability of PV mini-grids for electrification of regions where access to electricity is lacking
The focus of this paper is to provide a geospatial analysis of the performance of PV mini-grids in Africa and South East Asia regions giving special attention to the energy storage effects
We have presented a geographic information system (GIS)-based tool for estimating the performance of PV mini-grid systems with battery storage over large geographical areas
Summary
Modern energy services are crucial to human well-being and to a country’s economic development; and yet 1.2 billion people (17% of the global population) are without access to electricity [1]. More than 95% of those living without electricity are in countries in sub-Saharan Africa and developing Asia, predominantly in rural areas [2,3,4]. In recognition of these facts, the United Nations Secretary General launched in 2012 the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) Initiative with an overarching objective of ensuring universal access to sustainable energy by 2030 [5,6]. The focus of this paper is to provide a geospatial analysis of the performance of PV mini-grids in Africa and South East Asia regions giving special attention to the energy storage effects. We analyse the PV mini-grid performance by a 1-h time scale over a whole year for each 6 arc-minutes (approx. 10 km) of the geographical extension under study
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