Question

Africa Microgrid Assignment

In an earlier section you read about the benefits of small solar-and-batteries microgrids for remote villages in the developing world. Let’s try estimating the LCOE of such a system for a 50-household village in northern Mali, and compare our result to the cost of a diesel generator

LCOB

Assume that the village would like a modest 2 kWh battery backup system, costing $500/kWh. Unfortunately, the batteries have a much shorter lifespan than the solar panels, only around 8 years at the village's usage rate, leading to a higher CCF of .15. What’s the additional LCOE that the batteries will add to the system? Ignore any costs of operating the battery, or electric losses.

Answer in $/kWh

Hint: To find the LCOE for batteries on the same footing as the solar panels, spread their yearly cost out over the yearly electricity consumption of the village.

Answer 1