Mini-grid system study applied to a stand-alone house located in Málaga, Spain

Abstract: A study of an off-grid photovoltaic system for the electrification of a stand-alone single residential house in a rural area located in the city of Málaga, Spain, is presented. The load of an average family house is analysed keeping in mind the available solar energy at this location. A preliminary sizing of the system is carried out considering predefined values for the efficiency of the different technologies employed in the system: photovoltaic (PV) array, batteries as energy storages, inverters to convert the energy obtained from the sun, and diesel gensets to ensure supply under any circumstances. Later, precise brands of the available technologies in the market are selected, and the system is re-sized using the new parameters. The life cycle cost of the mini-grid (MG) system shows that the amortization of the system in 20 years for a stand-alone house is not possible. Although it is not confirmed that 20 years will be sufficient to make the system profitable, other aspects are considered and discussed in terms of their feasibility in Málaga.