Off-grid Photovoltaic Systems Implementation for Electrification of Remote Areas: Experiences and Lessons Learned in the Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense Region of Brazil

Abstract

Rural electrification is a critical issue in many countries. In Brazil, through the Federal Government’s Light for All Program, universal access to electricity in rural areas was partially made possible, benefiting approximately 16 million people by 2018. In remote areas where conventional grid electrification is impossible due to technical, geographical, and environmental obstacles, electrification by stand-alone photovoltaic systems is an attractive alternative. However, in practice, this solution is challenging and, if it is exhaustively not researched, it may become unfeasible. Therefore, this article reports the lessons learned from real experience with 23 prototypes installation of stand-alone photovoltaic systems with energy storage systems in the remote region of the Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense in Brazil, the major flooded surface in the world. It makes electrification a challenge that requires rigorous planning stages to ensure the lowest cost of future maintenance and meet quality performance indices. Recommendations and lessons learned based on experiences and field data are presented to improve the universalization of electrification in remote regions. Finally, opportunities for research and improvements in isolated PV systems are highlighted.

Keywords:
Renewable sources; photovoltaic system; remote systems; rural electrification; developing countries.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The lack of national standards difficulties the electrification of remote areas.

• Logistic planning and design resulted in the most critical phases.

• Simplified commissioning methods proved needed to expedite the SPSs installation.

• Short-term advantage of Lithium-ion based batteries over lead-based ones to facilitate remote areas PV system implementation.