Optimal design of an off-grid hybrid solar photovoltaic-diesel system in community electrification of a fishing village in Morocco

In the present work, we developed a computerized methodology to optimize the design of an off-grid hybrid solar community electrification. It is based on a 3-phase process: (1) Determining the load profile of the village by making a power balance, the average daily consumption and establishing the load; (2) Determining the optimum photovoltaic (PV) peak capacity and storage capacity which yield the lowest total specific discounted costs over a specified project lifetime; and (3) Sizing all PV system components and updating the cost-benefit analysis based on quoted project cost. This methodology is applied to Aftissat, a fishing village in Boujdour (Southern Morocco). We found an optimal peak capacity of 128 kWp, and 623 kWh of battery storage capacity. The 126 kWp PV capacity, and 800 kWh battery storage capacity were actually installed. The payback period is 9.0 years, and the discounted specific cost is 1.40 MAD/kWh. The corresponding CO
₂
emissions are reduced by 98.3%. Laayoune is one of the most interesting solar locations with a potential of 2 450 kWh m
^-2
year
^-1
at an optimum angle of the panels of 28°. An increase in diesel rate and solar irradiation of the site greatly reduces the PV power and storage capacity to install. The depth range of ideal discharge is between 40 and 70%. Storage batteries with a liquid electrolyte tubular plate technology provide the lowest specific cost (1.1 MAD/kWh).