FEASIBILITY STUDY AND DESIGN OF SOLAR WITH HYDRO MICROGRID SYSTEM:IN THE CASE OF JARSO BAM BECHE VILLAGE

Advisor: Ginbar Ensermu (PhD.)<br> Ethiopia possesses vast renewable energy potential, particularly from hydropower, solar, wind, and geothermal sources. However, rural electrification remains a significant challenge due to the high costs of grid extension and the dispersed nature of settlements. This study explores the Feasibility Study and Design of solar-hydro microgrid systems as a sustainable off-grid solution, focusing on Jarso Bam Bache village in Leka Dullecha Woreda. The research assessed local renewable resources, including solar radiation and hydropower potential, while evaluating the energy consumption patterns of 530 households. The findings reveal a residential peak load of 24.20 kW and a daily residential energy demand of 77.77 kWh. Including additional community services and deferrable loads, the total village peak load increases to 30.20 kW, with a total daily energy consumption of 95.77 kWh. Based on this analysis, a hybrid system was designed, integrating micro-hydro generators (91.52 kW), an expandable solar PV system (28.73 kW), and a battery bank for energy storage. This system leverages the complementary nature of solar and hydro resources to ensure a reliable electricity supply. Simulations using HOMER and MATLAB software demonstrated the system’s reliability, cost-effectiveness, and energy efficiency. Economic comparisons with grid extension revealed significant cost savings, emphasizing the practicality of decentralized off-grid solutions. Additionally, the hybrid system reduces reliance on biomass and fossil fuels, promoting environmental sustainability while lowering operational costs. This study presents a framework for implementing hybrid solar-hydro microgrids in rural Ethiopia, highlighting their potential to enhance energy access, strengthen climate resilience, and support sustainable development. The findings show that a microgrid system is 89.2% more cost-effective than a grid-connected alternative, making it a highly viable solution for electrifying remote villages. These insights contribute to the advancement of renewable energy initiatives and provide a pathway to addressing Ethiopia’s rural electrification challenges with clean, sustainable solutions.<br> Key word: Battery bank, HOMER and MATLAB software, Micro-hydro generators, solar pv,