Analysis of Environmental Effects in Diesel-Solar Minigrid Using HOMER Software and Modified Recipe Model

Abstract

Use of Energy Sources (ES) have both positive and negative environmental effects. The process of attaining sustainability in the development of ES requires methods and tools to measure the environmental impacts of such a deployment and this includes the Renewable Energy Sources (RES). This paper considers the environmental impacts of Solar PV in an existing Diesel-PV minigrid using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Modified ReCiPe Model is adapted for the analysis ecosystem and health effects. The emissions are determined using HOMER software. Simulated results reveal that hybrid Diesel (D)-Solar (PV) (D-PV) is preferred in reducing the environmental effects at an increased emission allowable cost.