Stand alone solar photovoltaic for rural electrification: A case study in Kampung SG Lah Tapah Malaysia

Abstract

This paper presents a case study on a rural electrification for an aborigine community in Kampung Sungai Lah, Tapah. They are isolated in the infrastructure development of society, referred to as undeserved. They are unfortunate as waited around 8 years for electricity supply and the closest transmission line terminate at the town of Chenderiang which is 20km to Kampung Sungai Lah. The site location received an average of 4.68 kWh/m2/day solar radiation with index clearness of 0.48 in average. HOMER simulation software is used for system optimization. The system consists of 8.0 kW Thin Film solar modules, four string inverters, and 32 deep cycle batteries with 250Ah capacity each. The whole system is to be ground mounted preferably in the middle of load distribution. The Stand-alone PV system offers cost effective means to electrify remote area as well as aids in the act of humanity.