Techno-Economic Assessment and Optimization of a Hybrid PV–Battery–Diesel Energy System for Rural Electrification in Popokabaka Using HOMER Pro

Access to reliable electricity remains a major challenge in off-grid regions of Sub-SaharanAfrica. This study presents a techno-economic assessment and optimization of a hybridphotovoltaic (PV)–battery–diesel energy system for rural electrification in Popokabaka.The system was modeled and optimized using HOMER Pro, considering multipleconfigurations and performance indicators such as Net Present Cost (NPC), Levelized Costof Energy (LCOE), renewable energy fraction, and emissions.Results show that the PV–battery–diesel configuration is optimal, achieving a renewablefraction of 97% and reducing diesel consumption by 98%, corresponding to annual fuelsavings of approximately 297,000 liters. The system yields an LCOE of $0.1799/kWh anda payback period of 6.11 years.These findings confirm that hybrid renewable energy systems provide a cost-effective,reliable, and environmentally sustainable solution for rural electrification and can serve asa scalable model for similar off-grid regions.