Installation of Solar PV Systems, Strategies and Case Studies–Hybrid Systems for Guyana

Renewable energy development will require the deployment of polygeneration or the hybridisation of renewable energy resources. The world is promoting an energy transition; hybrid energy systems are required for a 100% renewable energy system. This research examines wind energy and solar photovoltaics (PV) for the remote communities of Mabaruma, Matthews Ridge and Port Kaituma. Simulations were conducted with RETScreen, and the Global Energy Atlas for Barima-Waini. It was determined that 82% of Bariam-Waini has wind speeds of less than 3.5m/s at 50m hub height. The wind farms had a simple payback of almost 25 years, the life span of the project; the solar PV farms had a simple payback of under 5 years, and the hybrid energy system had a simple payback of under 4 years. The inverter capacity was 1500kW, a battery autonomy of 1.5 days and a suggested capacity of 74,197Ah. The sand battery would require 336.98 tonnes of sand, occupying 210.61 m3. The maximum temperature is 980°C for the sand battery. Agrivoltaics as pineapple, cabbage and peanut farming simultaneously with the solar PV farms. For the wind farm poultry, specifically chicken farming for meat birds and eggs, can be done simultaneously. RETScreen’s Lithium-ion (Li-ion) specification for the battery was adapted using MATLAB to a sand battery specification. Sand battery technology can be deployed in a capacity to replace Li-ion battery as an energy storage technology for renewable energy systems in the future, but it needs further advancement. Guyana can promote renewable energy and its hybrid energy systems.