Enhancing Energy Independence: Resizing of Standalone PV System Using Metaheuristic Algorithms

Metaheuristic algorithms were employed to optimise the renewable energy system (RES) developed for three settlements in the western desert of Egypt. The principal objectives were to reduce the cost of energy (COE) and obtain a predetermined loss of power supply probability (LPSP). Abu Minqar and Darb Al Arbaein were incorporated into the UAE Solar Energy Project Grant (SEPG), which seeks to improve the lighting in rural villages throughout Egypt. It was noted that the capacity of the installed photovoltaic (PV) systems far surpassed the actual load requirements of these communities. The study aimed to rectify this disparity by optimising the photovoltaic system to more accurately correspond with the actual energy consumption requirements of Abu Minqar and Darb Al Arbaein. Furthermore, to enhance energy reliability and efficiency, a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) was implemented for a third neighborhood. This system leverages the region's ideal wind velocities, guaranteeing a more sustainable and reliable energy source for all three villages.