Optimal Sizing of a Photovoltaic System: A Case Study of a Poultry Plant in Ecuador

The poultry sector in Ecuador relies heavily on non-renewable energy, particularly electricity from the public grid. A typical poultry plant consumes an average of 57,313 MWh per year, with sheds accounting for 36% of the total energy consumption. This study aims to reduce operating costs and transition the energy matrix by modeling an optimal photovoltaic system tailored to Ecuador’s geographical conditions. To achieve this, historical data on solar radiation, geographical resources, and energy consumption patterns were collected. Based on this analysis, an isolated photovoltaic system was designed to meet the energy needs of the Type A shed (5.89 kWh) and Type B shed (6.59 kWh). The system was sized to account for the lower annual solar radiation values of 4.58 kWh/m2, ensuring effectiveness even under reduced solar input. The approach aims to standardize the energy supply in rural poultry plants by using a modular solar energy system. It also enables the scalable addition of photovoltaic modules based on each plant’s consumption requirements.