A Solar PV Hybrid System Sizing Procedure for the South African Tourism Industry

Tourism is a crucial industry, contributing 6.4% to South Africa's GDP. Yet, the country has suffered from scheduled power outages commonly known as Load Shedding. The South African government's commitment to developing Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems is crucial for energy stability. However, current sizing methods often lead to inefficiency and low return on investment, by inaccurately selecting the PV generation and battery capacity to meet the energy demand. This study introduces the Solar PV Hybrid and Battery Sizing Procedure (SoHUBS), aimed at accurately sizing Solar PV Hybrid Systems specifically for the South African tourism sector. SoHUBS uses tools for accurate energy consumption forecasting and energy savings estimation when integrating solar PV with battery storage. Validated through post-installation data, SoHUBS demonstrated greater accuracy over conventional and consultant-based methods, with lower Energy Savings Error (ESE). The proposed procedure allows designers to tailor the solution to meet the clients requirements of reducing grid reliance and increasing energy sustainability. The study's results indicate that employing SoHUBS as a solar PV Hybrid system sizing procedure enhances financial viability by lowering grid energy consumption, thereby reducing environmental impact. Additionally, it contributes to load shedding mitigation, strengthening business energy resilience, and subsequently improving social and economic resilience to the country's current energy crisis.

1. Introduction

The tourism sector in South Africa is a key element of its economy and cultural identity [1]. However, it faces significant challenges, especially in terms of energy management. The frequent occurrence of load shedding in the country presents a major disruption, threatening the consistent energy supply necessary for the smooth operation of tourism-related businesses [2]. These interruptions not only disrupt daily business activities but can also lessen the appeal of South African tourist destinations to both local and international travellers. Continuous energy availability is vital not just for operational efficiency, but also for sustaining South Africa's competitive position in the global tourism market [3]. Additionally, the reliance on generators as a workaround for the scheduled power cuts, commonly known as load shedding, leads to increased expenses and significant carbon dioxide emissions. These factors not only financially burden tourism operators but also complicate their endeavours to market themselves as environmentally sustainable establishments.