Analysis of a Sustainable Hybrid Microgrid Based on Solar Energy, Biomass, and Storage for Rural Electrification in Isolated Communities

Abstract

Rural electrification in isolated communities requires reliable and affordable renewable solutions. This paper analyses a hybrid microgrid case study in a rural area integrating PV–biomass–BESS using mathematical models and simulations in MATLAB/Simulink Version 2025a, characterizing local resources (climate and biomass), and evaluating irradiance, temperature, and demand profiles. On typical days, the system meets demand with overall efficiencies of 93–103%; solar energy contributes 6.8–8.9 kWh/day (37–42%), biomass 9.5–13.2 kWh/day (54–62%), and BESS ≈ 0.6 kWh/day (≈3%), operating at 60–90% SoC. Between March and June, photovoltaic generation increased from 7.2 to 8.9 kWh/day (+23.6%), raising overall efficiency from 97% to 103%; in October, the contribution was 40% PV, 57% biomass, and 3% BESS. Coordinated operation—prioritizing solar and scheduling biomass at peaks—is robust and replicable. It is recommended to increase photovoltaic collection by ~20% and add ≥2.5 kWh of storage to reduce biomass dependence by 15–20% and improve nighttime autonomy. This integrated approach to solar generation, biomass management, and storage for efficient and sustainable supply is applied and validated in a theoretical case study developed in the rural area of Argelia-Viotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia.