Integration of photovoltaic solar systems in the intensive and extensive shrimp sector of ecuador: El oro province study case

Abstract

At present, the integration of solar photovoltaic systems into electricity distribution networks that supply energy to industrial users, allows to significantly reduce operating costs and increase competitiveness in productive sectors. In this context, solar photovoltaic systems could satisfy a significant percentage of the electricity needs of shrimp companies in a cost-effective and reliable way. Shrimp farms are generally located in remote places, near the coast and even on islands, without access to the national electrical grid. The construction of electricity supply networks would be excessively expensive. Thus, diesel internal combustion engines are responsible for meeting shrimp companies energy demands. The results of this study demonstrate that the integration of solar photovoltaic systems can partially satisfy the energy demands of intensive and extensive shrimp farming in El Oro province. The study is carried out in Puerto Pitahaya belonging to the Arenillas city, where the existence of an exceptional solar resource is verified on average 133.02 kWh /m²--month, the investment cost for each kW of this technology is $ 415.8, which represents a competitive price, as well as the maturity of solar technology guarantee a quick return on investment, a highly reliable electricity supply and a substantial improvement in the energy efficiency of the production of companies in the shrimp sector of Ecuador.