Use of photovoltaic systems for improving community resilience in Honey Island

Abstract

This work proposes a case study for photovoltaic systems in isolated locations, modeled for the community of the Ilha do Mel (Honey Island), located in the state of Paraná, Brazil. This work proposes theoretical solutions for the electricity supply on the island based on off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with storage that could be installed in loco. We modeled case scenarios with the intention of maximizing the welfare of the people living in the island, and, at the same time, minimizing the environmental impacts of the systems. Solar irradiance and temperature data are combined with the electricity load profile of the island to serve as the inputs for the modeling software HOMER PRO, which allowed the creation of multiple scenarios, combining solar PV systems with storage mechanisms such as lead-acid batteries. Using the Net Present Cost (NPC), the best case was obtained, also considering the PV generation, storage, and the payback of the simulated project.