Empowering Rural Education: A Comprehensive Study on the Implementation and Cost Analysis of Standalone Photovoltaic Systems in Sarawak Schools

• Published in: Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering
• Main Author: Jaman H.S.; Othman Z.; Mat Isa N.; Ismail Z.H.; Sariff N.
• Format: Conference paper
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85205390102&doi=10.1007%2f978-981-97-2007-1_18&partnerID=40&md5=c2eef0fdf2e1eb836e59f978242aff01

This study explores the implementation of standalone photovoltaic (SAPV) systems to address electricity supply challenges in rural schools in Sarawak. In off-grid areas lacking reliable power access, especially in remote regions, conventional diesel generators are often used, leading to drawbacks for residential communities and schools. To overcome this, the research focuses on the technical, economic, and user experience aspects of SAPV systems, emphasizing renewable energy resources. The proposed SAPV system design for schools in Bintulu, Sarawak includes sizing components such as PV arrays, battery storage, charge controller, and inverter. The assessment determines an ideal PV module for specific schools based on factors such as load demands and cost estimates, without explicitly mentioning the product's name. Despite higher costs for schools with greater energy requirements, this research provides valuable insights for stakeholders seeking to implement alternative energy sources in rural areas. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.