Modeling and performance evaluation of hybrid SLB-PV systems for sustainable telecom tower power supply in Bangladesh

Telecom towers in Bangladesh face persistent power reliability challenges due to frequent grid outages and heavy dependence on diesel generators, resulting in high operating costs and carbon emissions. This study presents the modeling and performance evaluation of a hybrid photovoltaic–second-life battery energy storage system (SLB–PV) for sustainable base transceiver station (BTS) power supply. Repurposed Nissan Leaf ZE0 battery modules were experimentally characterized using an Arbin Battery Tester to determine capacity, state-of-health (SoH), and degradation behavior, and subsequently integrated into system modeling. A representative rural BTS site in Rangpur, Bangladesh, with a daily load of approximately 40 kWh, was analyzed using a multi-tool framework combining HOMER Pro, MATLAB Simulink, and PVsyst. Results show that a 10 kWp PV array coupled with 238 SLB modules (7S×34 P) can achieve telecom-grade reliability with system availability exceeding 99.9% while eliminating routine diesel generator operation. PV supplies approximately 48–52% of annual energy demand, and the SLBESS operates at an average of 1.4 equivalent cycles per day within a controlled 20–80% state-of-charge window, yielding a projected battery lifetime of 5–7 years. The hybrid system reduces diesel consumption by approximately 85% and lowers lifecycle CO₂ emissions by 55–65% compared to conventional diesel-only configurations. These findings confirm that hybrid SLB–PV systems provide a cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally sustainable alternative for telecom tower power supply in Bangladesh, while supporting circular economy objectives through extended battery reuse. • Hybrid PV–second-life EV battery system proposed for telecom towers in Bangladesh. • Experimentally characterized Nissan Leaf second-life batteries integrated into system design. • Hybrid system achieves > 99.9% BTS availability with minimal diesel generator operation. • PV supplies nearly half of annual energy demand, extending battery lifetime to 5–7 years. • System reduces diesel use by 85% and lifecycle CO₂ emissions by 55–65%.