Can solar power power rural communities far from the grid in Benin?

As solar energy is abundant across the country, this model can be suitable to power rural communities far from the grid in Benin. Compared to currently deployed PV/battery systems, the present study, recommends the off-grid hybrid PV/DG/battery system for future electrification projects in Benin.

How much does a 5 kW inverter cost in Benin?

Inverters of 0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 60, 65 and 75 kW sizes are considered in search space in HOMER tab. A 5 kW inverter of Victron Brand costs 2,500,000 FCFA (equivalent to $940/kW) in the market in Benin. It is rounded to $1000/kW to consider the installation costs.

Can a mini-grid supply power to rural communities in Benin?

The rural communities cannot wait any longer for grid extension projects that are costly and take longer time for implementation. Therefore, isolated mini-grid (cheaper and quick to install) would be a suitable technology to supply power to rural communities in Benin.

Can a hybrid PV/DG/battery system power remote areas in Benin?

In summary, as solar radiation is an abundant resource across the country, this hybrid PV/DG/battery system can be a suitable model to power remote areas in Benin, and we recommend it for future electrification projects in the country in place of the current widely deployed PV/battery system. 1. Introduction

Can Benin achieve universal energy access?

Regarding the country's energy sector, more effort is needed to reach the universal energy access goal . Benin Republic currently has one of the lowest national electrification rate in SSA (only about 30.4%), with a strong disparity in favour of urban areas closer to the main grid [17, 18].

What is the electrification rate in Benin Republic?

Benin Republic currently has one of the lowest national electrification rate in SSA (only about 30.4%), with a strong disparity in favour of urban areas closer to the main grid [17, 18]. In rural areas the electrification rate is 6.9% against 54.5% in urban areas .