Journal
Metropolitan Journal of Engineering and Technology
MJET
Design And Simulation Of A Low-Cost Solar Microgrid For Off-Grid Rural Electrification.
Eletu Joshua, Managen Amosi, Kiddu Kawuki Andrew
| Journal | Metropolitan Journal of Engineering and Technology (MJET) |
| Volume / Issue | Vol. 4, No. 10 |
| Published | 31 October 2025 |
| ISSN | 3006-4368 |
Abstract
This study designed and simulated three low-cost solar microgrid architectures to address the critical challenge of offgrid rural electrification in Uganda. The primary objective was to identify the most techno-economically viable and sustainable configuration for a model community of 100 households. The methodology involved modeling three distinct systems a PV-battery system (Microgrid A), a PV-battery-diesel hybrid (Microgrid B), and a PV-wind-battery hybrid (Microgrid C) using the HOMER Pro software, with analysis based on local solar resource data, detailed load profiling, and sensitivity analyses for key variables like fuel cost and component pricing. The results demonstrated that Microgrid A was the most optimal configuration, achieving a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.18/kWh, a 100% renewable fraction, and zero carbon emissions, while reliably meeting the community's annual energy demand of 110,000 kWh. Microgrid B, though reliable, proved economically and environmentally inferior with an LCOE of $0.23/kWh and annual emissions of 9.2 tCO₂ due to diesel dependency. Microgrid C, while fully renewable, had a higher LCOE of $0.20/kWh and capital cost, making it less attractive. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of Microgrid A, showing minimal LCOE fluctuation under cost and demand variations. It was concluded that a solarplus-storage microgrid is the most feasible solution for rural Uganda, balancing cost, sustainability, and reliability. It is therefore recommended that stakeholders proceed with the pilot deployment of Microgrid A, supported by a phased implementation plan, community-based management training, and a sustainable tariff model to ensure long-term operational and financial viability.
Keywords
Solar Microgrid
Rural Electrification
HOMER Pro Simulation
Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)
Renewable Energy
Uganda
Off-Grid Systems.
Cite This Article
Eletu Joshua, Managen Amosi & Kiddu Kawuki Andrew (2025). Design And Simulation Of A Low-Cost Solar Microgrid For Off-Grid Rural Electrification. Metropolitan Journal of Engineering and Technology, 4(10). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=97
More in This Issue
View full issue →
1
Assessment of the Impact of Green Building Materials on Structural Sustainability in Urban Construction Projects.
Green Building Materials (GBMs)
sustainable construction
mechanical properties
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
2
Design And Performance Analysis Of A Solar-Powered Water Pumping System For Rural Communities.
Solar-powered water pumping
photovoltaic system
rural water supply
system efficiency
3
Development Of An Intelligent Energy Management System For Smart Homes Using Iot Technology.
IoT-based energy management
intelligent energy optimization
renewable energy
solar-gridbattery integration
4
Evaluation Of Predictive Maintenance Techniques For Reducing Equipment Downtime In Manufacturing Industries In Uganda
Predictive maintenance
reactive maintenance
preventive maintenance
equipment downtime
5
Optimization of Pavement Design Using Recycled Plastic Waste for Sustainable Road Construction in Uganda.
Plastic-modified bitumen
recycled plastic waste
pavement optimization
asphalt concrete