Evaluation of the Reliability of Solar Micro-Grids in Emerging Markets – Issues and Solutions

Energy for Sustainable Development, Forthcoming

29 Pages Posted: 27 Dec 2018

See all articles by Sini Numminen

Sini Numminen

Aalto University - School of Science

Peter Lund

Southeast University - Key Laboratory of Solar Energy Science and Technology in Jiangsu Province

Date Written: October 26, 2018

Abstract

One of the most important technical features of a power system is its ability to deliver electricity reliably to the customers. Based on interviews with 12 energy service companies (ESCO) currently operating solar micro-grids in northern rural India, this study identified important factors related to technical design, customer behaviour and operations and management (O&M) that may result in contingencies in service. In addition, the study presents companies’ innovative solutions to overcome these problems. Initially, the interview method allowed only a rough qualitative comparison of different reliability levels as the availability of comparable data was limited. We found that a more descriptive method for reliability assessment would create equally valuable information on renewable off-grid energy projects. We propose a simple framework for assessing reliability that highlights the particular features of off-grid areas in developing countries.

Keywords: micro-grid, reliability, reliability assessment, technical sustainability, energy systems in developing countries, India

Suggested Citation

Numminen, Sini and Lund, Peter, Evaluation of the Reliability of Solar Micro-Grids in Emerging Markets – Issues and Solutions (October 26, 2018). Energy for Sustainable Development, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3299311

Sini Numminen (Contact Author)

Aalto University - School of Science ( email )

Otakaari 1
Espoo, FI-00076
Finland

Peter Lund

Southeast University - Key Laboratory of Solar Energy Science and Technology in Jiangsu Province ( email )

Nanjing, 210096
China

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