A photovoltaic solar system applied to rural household in Peru

Abstract

The present research study aims to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic systems applied to homes in isolated areas. This experimental study was carried using a prototype of a rural house, located at the Technological University of Peru-Arequipa, Peru. The photovoltaic solar system, connected to the prototype house, supplied its electric loads (TV, Blu-ray, radio, refrigerator, blender, heater, washing machine, fan, iron), which were programmed to be turned on and off using digital timers during a period of 3 months (March, April and May 2020). The measured parameters were the solar power, the consumed electrical power and the electrical power of what would be an auxiliary source of energy (electric generator, for example) in case the solar resource is unavailable. The results indicate that the photovoltaic solar system could store the unused solar energy to supply the nighttime electrical loads, ensuring, in this way, the autonomy of the energy system.