A framework for assessing the potential of community solar microgrids in urban areas using partially measured data

A community solar microgrid presents a promising approach to increase clean energy utilisation in urban areas. While this system has been successfully established in off-grid rural areas, its adoption in urban areas remains limited. Nonetheless, it holds significant potential, particularly for countries that still depend on fossil fuels to produce electricity. One of the key challenges in accessing its feasibility is the lack of comprehensive measured data due to its limited establishment in urban areas. To address this, this paper presents a framework for evaluating the potential of community solar microgrids in urban settings using partially measured data. The analysis encompasses both technical and economic feasibility, employing a calibrated computational simulation to assess hourly load matching and battery sizing. The findings demonstrate the tested site’s potential to meet its electricity demand with locally generated solar energy. Additionally, the study explores two different community solar microgrid scenarios—one focused on cost minimisation and the other on maximising clean energy use.