Village microgrids

Village microgrids provide ac electricity to “off-grid” settlements, offering a step up from batteries, solar home systems, and portable engine-generators.   These systems are usually relatively small and supply a limited amount of power to meet basic needs.  The distribution microgrid usually covers a fairly small geographic area (a single village)  and single-phase, low voltage ac wiring is commonly employed.  

The primary motivation for installation is to achieve human development goals associated with the reliable delivery of electric power.   Village electrification improves personal living conditions through better lighting, water pumping, and access to electronic media.  It enables better delivery of education, medical care, and other social services.  Finally, it enables development of productive industries that improve the economic position of the community.

The principal technical challenge is to design systems that are affordable and also sustainable over the long term in settings where capital and operating budgets are often small and infrastructure for operation and maintenance may be minimal. The technology employed must be appropriate for the social, economic, and environmental conditions of the settlement.

 Pomelo, Indonesia - village microgrid

24 kWp PV, 20 kWhr battery, 125 KVA genset (Photo: Transenergie)