Nanogrid Based Energy Trading System for a Rural Off-Grid Communityin Africa

Abstract

More than 65% of people in the sub-Saharan region do not have access to electricity from main grids due to various reasons including technical barriers and financial breaks. Single House PV systems also known as nanogrids seem to be adequate solutions because of a drastic drop in price of solar panel modules. However, it is not the case for associated energy storage systems that make up 35% percent of the total cost of a PV system. Hence the need to find technical and economical solutions that enhance full usage of solar potential. In this paper, we propose a microgrid based on integration of a number nanogrids in a community and an investor energy bank that serves as communal energy storage. A platform and economical model for energy exchange are developed. The system lightens the nanogrid owner from the economic burden of an energy storage and increases the overall harvested energy which in return open opportunities to energy trading to domestic and commercial users within the community.