Techno-economic evaluation of a stand-alone PV/Diesel hybrid power system based on actual performance in Thailand

This study presents a techno-economic analysis of a stand-alone hybrid power system (SAHPS) on a remote island in Thailand. The system was implemented in the ranger station at Than Bok Khorani National Park, Krabi Province, Thailand. Power on this island was originally supplied by diesel generators and this new SAHPS has significantly reduced fuel costs and alleviated environmental pollution. The hybrid system consists of a 5 kWp PV array, the 29.3 kWh battery storage, and 13 kW diesel generator. A year before the Covid-19 crisis, performance parameters based on IEA PVPS Task 13 and IEC 61724 standard were evaluated. The results obtained since the system operation showed that the final yield ranged from 2.45 to 3.79 h/d and an annual performance ratio (PR) was 78%. The actual economic analysis based on a 20-years operating system indicated that the levelized cost of energy is 0.39 USSD/kWh, with a simple payback period of 5 years, which is lower than the cost of electricity produced by a small diesel generator. The outcomes of this study can be used as a benchmark to assess a SAHPS project on islands and make informed decisions about the most appropriate technology for electrification in rural areas.