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Geospatial Analysis of Photovoltaic Mini-Grid System Performance

Author

Listed:
  • Thomas Huld

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Via Fermi 2749, I-21027 Ispra, Italy)

  • Magda Moner-Girona

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Via Fermi 2749, I-21027 Ispra, Italy)

  • Akos Kriston

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Westerduinweg 3, NL-1755 ZG Petten, The Netherlands)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Huld & Magda Moner-Girona & Akos Kriston, 2017. "Geospatial Analysis of Photovoltaic Mini-Grid System Performance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-21, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:10:y:2017:i:2:p:218-:d:90237
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Magda Moner‐Girona & Daniel Puig & Yacob Mulugetta & Ioannis Kougias & Jafaru AbdulRahman & Sándor Szabó, 2018. "Next generation interactive tool as a backbone for universal access to electricity," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 7(6), November.
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    6. Moner-Girona, M. & Solano-Peralta, M. & Lazopoulou, M. & Ackom, E.K. & Vallve, X. & Szabó, S., 2018. "Electrification of Sub-Saharan Africa through PV/hybrid mini-grids: Reducing the gap between current business models and on-site experience," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 1148-1161.
    7. T. Chamarande & S. Mathy & B. Hingray, 2022. "The least cost design of 100% solar power microgrids in Africa: sensitivity to meteorological and economic drivers and possibility for simple pre-sizing rules," Post-Print hal-03740059, HAL.
    8. Hossein Yousefi & Hamed Hafeznia & Amin Yousefi-Sahzabi, 2018. "Spatial Site Selection for Solar Power Plants Using a GIS-Based Boolean-Fuzzy Logic Model: A Case Study of Markazi Province, Iran," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-18, June.
    9. Beriro, Darren & Nathanail, Judith & Salazar, Juan & Kingdon, Andrew & Marchant, Andrew & Richardson, Steve & Gillet, Andy & Rautenberg, Svea & Hammond, Ellis & Beardmore, John & Moore, Terry & Angus,, 2022. "A decision support system to assess the feasibility of onshore renewable energy infrastructure," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    10. Bhattacharyya, S.C. & Palit, D., 2021. "A critical review of literature on the nexus between central grid and off-grid solutions for expanding access to electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    11. Gonzalez Sanchez, Rocio & Kougias, Ioannis & Moner-Girona, Magda & Fahl, Fernando & Jäger-Waldau, Arnulf, 2021. "Assessment of floating solar photovoltaics potential in existing hydropower reservoirs in Africa," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 687-699.
    12. Paul Bertheau & Ayobami Solomon Oyewo & Catherina Cader & Christian Breyer & Philipp Blechinger, 2017. "Visualizing National Electrification Scenarios for Sub-Saharan African Countries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-20, November.
    13. Falchetta, Giacomo & Stevanato, Nicolò & Moner-Girona, Magda & Mazzoni, Davide & Colombo, Emanuela & Hafner, Manfred, 2020. "M-LED: Multi-sectoral Latent Electricity Demand Assessment for Energy Access Planning," FEP: Future Energy Program 305213, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM) > FEP: Future Energy Program.
    14. Duccio Baldi & Magda Moner-Girona & Elena Fumagalli & Fernando Fahl, 2022. "Planning sustainable electricity solutions for refugee settlements in sub-Saharan Africa," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 7(4), pages 369-379, April.
    15. Moner-Girona, M. & Bender, A. & Becker, W. & Bódis, K. & Szabó, S. & Kararach, A.G. & Anadon, L.D., 2021. "A multidimensional high-resolution assessment approach to boost decentralised energy investments in Sub-Saharan Africa," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).

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