Design and Economic Analysis of Off-grid PV System for Diesel Abatement in Remote Areas: Case Study of Indonesia

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyse the feasibility study of off-grid photovoltaic (PV) system to replace diesel generator in remote areas. Sungai Cemara village in Jambi, Indonesia was chosen as a case study to represent a remote area where there is no access to electricity from the main grid. A model is developed using HOMER software to calculate the optimum theoretical power output of PV system as well as PV sizing and arrays. An economic analysis was also performed in this study including the payback period calculation. Results showed that 132 kWp off-grid PV system is able to electrify 105 households in Sungai Cemara village with annual load 92.7 MWh. With a payback time period of 13 years, it is proved that installing PV system to replace diesel generator is financially feasible for the village.