10.4229/25THEUPVSEC2010-6CV.5.24
Skumanich, A.
A.
Skumanich
Reddy, S.
S.
Reddy
Sabnani, L.
L.
Sabnani
Malik, I.
I.
Malik
Ryabova, E.
E.
Ryabova
PV in the Micro-Grid Context: Concepts and Specific International Case Studies as Models of Implementation
WIP-Munich
2010
Article
PV Taking Off: Large-scale Deployment
Programmes, Policies and Economics; National and International Initiatives Globally
2010-10-28
2010
en
3-936338-26-4
4 pages
1438 kb
application/pdf
25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition / 5th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, 6-10 September 2010, Spain; 5417-5420
25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition / 5th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, 6-10 September 2010, Valencia, Spain; 5417-5420
Micro-grid configurations are gaining as an alternative to grid-connect power supply in developing
countries. There are similar points of consideration and lessions to be learned from case studies. The authors have had
various engagements with developing countries providing analysis for micro-grid installation as well as visits to specific
sites. A cost-effective micro-grid for localized energy production must provide the correct mix of energy, and must be
maintained and expanded by the local community. There are four primary point of note for the implementation of this
micro-grid: (1) configured as a hybrid of standard and renewable energy - evolving towards more of the latter with time
(2) low cost and flexible - targeted to each communities needs, (3) follows the “cell-phone” model where a fixed, costly
infrastructure is not needed, (4) engages the community to participate and have “ownership” in the infrastructure. A site
visit to micro-grid applications in Cuba is used as a representative example. A key finding is the need for a strong,
strategic view of energy development to enable the growth of micro-grid power supply. The key common needs and
“best practices” are established to identify the optimal mode for addressing micro-grid implementation.