Performance analysis of an autonomous photovoltaic system in the Sahara

Electrification of the rural population has always been a strategic decision for countries with high solar energy potential. However different renewable and sustainable energy technologies can be adopted for electrification including photovoltaic diesel or hybrid (photovoltaic and diesel) system. However the choice between these options depends exclusively on many factors reliability and cost associated with these technologies.This study aims to examine and analyze a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system in a desert environment (Algerian Sahara). In order to evaluate the electrical performance of this PV system an experiment is conducted in the village of Fadnoun located 2100 km south of Algiers (Algerian capital). The experiment will last for one year and the reliability of the system as well as the way this electrification influences the energy consumption of the villagers will be evaluated. It should be noted that this is the first experimental study of this kind to be conducted in Algeria.Electrification of the rural population has always been a strategic decision for countries with high solar energy potential. However different renewable and sustainable energy technologies can be adopted for electrification including photovoltaic diesel or hybrid (photovoltaic and diesel) system. However the choice between these options depends exclusively on many factors reliability and cost associated with these technologies.This study aims to examine and analyze a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system in a desert environment (Algerian Sahara). In order to evaluate the electrical performance of this PV system an experiment is conducted in the village of Fadnoun located 2100 km south of Algiers (Algerian capital). The experiment will last for one year and the reliability of the system as well as the way this electrification influences the energy consumption of the villagers will be evaluated. It should be noted that this is the first experimental study of this kind to be conducted in Algeria.