Optimizing battery energy storage and solar photovoltaic systems for lower-to-middle-income schools amidst load-shedding
Terhemba Michael-Ahile, J.A. Samuels, M.J. Booysen
Abstract
Energy reliability and cost efficiency are critical challenges for lower-to-middle-income schools in developing regions, where frequent power outages hinder academic activities and strain finances. This study presents a robust methodology to determine the optimal size of the photovoltaic (PV) system coupled with battery storage, under two distinct demand scenarios: “stable” and“intermittent”. The stable scenario assumes consistent year-round demand, while the intermittent scenario models 50% demand during load-shedding periods. A proposed Unified Rule-Based (URB) scheduling approach was evaluated across different electricity pricing schemes. Optimal PV sizes managed with the URB strategy achieved up to 22% lifetime savings, reduced total energy demand by 47%, and peak-hour demand by 63%, while supporting 98% of the load-shedding requirements. This approach offers a scalable and practical solution for improving energy reliability, reducing costs, and enhancing environmental sustainability in low-income educational institutions. The findings underscore the effectiveness of the URB strategy and provide actionable insights for future policy implementations and the advancement of climate-neutrality targets.