The absence of electricity in remote and rural areas is one of the major challenges
faced by many poor and developing countries. Hybrid energy systems (HES) based
on photovoltaics (PV) are considered to be an effective option to electrify remote and
isolated areas, which are far from conventional grids. This is true for areas that receive
high averages of solar radiation annually. This research investigation involves the modelling,
simulation and optimization of a PV-Diesel hybrid system for Oluundje village
in Namibia. A site survey was conducted in a form of questionnaires and interviews for
the purpose of load forecasting and system modelling. HOMER software was used to
design and model the proposed hybrid energy system. Costs of different components,
hourly solar radiation, and rating parameters are inputs of the simulation program.
Sensitivity analysis was carried out using Homer. The optimal PV-Diesel hybrid system
and diesel-generator-only system were compared both technically and economically.
Based on simulation results, it was found that electrifying a remote village using a PVdiesel
hybrid system is more advantageous when compared to the diesel-generator-only
system as it has lower operating costs and emissions. This system may be used as a
preliminary design to guide in the planning and modelling of similar systems for other
remote villages.