MJET

Design And Simulation Of A Low-Cost Solar Microgrid For Off-Grid Rural Electrification.

Eletu Joshua, Managen Amosi, Kiddu Kawuki Andrew


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.
Metropolitan Journal of Engineering and Technology

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.
Kiddu Kawuki Andrew1 , Nkwasibwe Kenneth2
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.
Kiddu Kawuki Andrew1 , Nkwasibwe Kenneth2
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.
Eletu Joshua1 , Managen Amosi2 , Kiddu Kawuki Andrew3
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
Mukiibi Zacharia1 , Kalema Abdullah2 , Mwesiga Caleb3
Predictive maintenance reactive maintenance preventive maintenance equipment downtime
5
Optimization of Pavement Design Using Recycled Plastic Waste for Sustainable Road Construction in Uganda.
Kiddu Kawuki Andrew1 , Nkwasibwe Kenneth2
Plastic-modified bitumen recycled plastic waste pavement optimization asphalt concrete