Speaker
Description
In many rural areas of developing countries, the absence of centralized grid infrastructure necessitates decentralized energy solutions that address both livelihood and sustainability challenges. This case study examines two small-scale off-grid photovoltaic (PV) systems installed in a remote arid community, designed to provide essential services and enhance local resilience. Framed within the emerging domain of agrivoltaics, the systems exemplify a water-energy-food nexus approach by coupling solar energy generation with agricultural productivity and resource management.
Drawing on the theoretical taxonomy of off-grid systems, which classifies decentralized and distributed systems by scale, end-use, and technology mix, this study situates these systems as community-based and productive-use decentralized units. Methodologically, the case employs a technical approach, including site monitoring and the collection of operational data.
The systems comprise: (1) a 5kW elevated PV array powering a communal office with cooling, lighting, and communication functions; and (2) a 5kW ground-mounted system operating evaporative cooling systems in adjacent greenhouses. Together, they demonstrate the potential for co-benefits across the food and water security domain, improving storage conditions, enabling drip irrigation, and crop growth.
A key feature of the system is its integration with diverse crop cultivation, including leafy greens, root vegetables, herbs, and trial plots of native and medicinal plants. The study examines dual land use and whether shading supports temperature-sensitive crops, thereby increasing food variety in arid climates and maximizing land productivity in resource-constrained environments, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable rural development.
The study further explores reciprocal relations among energy production and microclimate conditions under the panels, highlighting the feedback loops between system components. Specifically, it examines whether vegetation and irrigation can reduce dust accumulation and lower PV panel surface temperatures, thereby potentially improving system efficiency. These variables are being monitored to assess their impact on power output and to gain a deeper understanding of synergies within integrated agrivoltaics systems.
Several challenges hinder the optimization of the system, including daily and seasonal fluctuations in electricity demand, particularly related to cooling loads and irrigation cycles. These variations complicate load management and emphasize the need for adaptable design. The study evaluates system performance under changing conditions, exploring strategies for energy prioritization, storage integration, and load shifting to enhance reliability and autonomy.
Despite their promise, off-grid systems face persistent barriers, including technical inefficiencies and suboptimal maintenance routines, economic constraints stemming from donor dependence and limited cost recovery mechanisms, as well as social challenges such as limited local capacity for system management. These findings underscore the importance of aligning technological design with community capabilities and emphasize the need for integrated governance and financing models to ensure long-term viability.
