Optimal techno-economic design of PV system comprising battery energy storage: Case study for a remote area

Abstract

This thesis explores the optimal techno-economic design of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system with battery energy storage for remote agricultural applications in the Ouargla desert of Algeria. Remote farms face significant challenges in accessing reliable electricity due to the high cost and impracticality of grid extension and the inefficiency of diesel generators. Given the region’s exceptional solar potential, the study focuses on designing a stand-alone PV-battery system capable of meeting energy demands continuously and at the lowest possible cost. A key part of the work is the development of a Python-based software tool that allows users to input technical, environmental, and economic data to simulate system performance. The algorithm uses the Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP) method to ensure system reliability and applies cost analysis to identify the most economically feasible configuration. Results show that for a large isolated farm, the optimal solution includes 92 solar panels, 39 batteries, and a 1000 kW inverter, with a total system cost of approximately 5.48 million DZD and a low energy cost of 0.8872 DZD/kWh. These findings were validated through comparison with HOMER Energy software, demonstrating the accuracy and reliability of the developed tool.