An Off-Grid Solar System for Rural Village in Malaysia

Solar power is broadly acknowledged as a green technology. Malaysia, as a tropical country, has been promoting solar power as an option for rural electrification. This article aims to discuss the sustainability of a stand-alone AC Bus Configuration solar system for a rural village in the state of Sarawak, East Malaysia, based through a community-based project. The project was implemented via installation of photovoltaic system to supply electricity to the rural village. Different coupling configurations are shown in this paper. Actual load profile for four consecutive days and average monthly solar irradiation is studied. Analysis of the daily consumption is shown between the PWD centre, church and housing infrastructure. Average monthly solar radiation is also shown here, with the daily load profile discussed. The project has brought certain benefits for the local villagers such as free electricity. Further studies on the load growth are needed to ensure system sustainability.