Moving Up the Electrification Ladder in Off-Grid Settlements with Rooftop Solar Microgrids

Isabelo Rabuya, Melissa Libres, Michael Lochinvar Abundo and Evelyn Taboada
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Isabelo Rabuya: Center for Research in Energy Systems and Technologies, University of San Carlos, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
Melissa Libres: Center for Research in Energy Systems and Technologies, University of San Carlos, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
Michael Lochinvar Abundo: Center for Research in Energy Systems and Technologies, University of San Carlos, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
Evelyn Taboada: Center for Research in Energy Systems and Technologies, University of San Carlos, Cebu City 6000, Philippines

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 12, 1-32

Abstract: The multi-tier framework (MTF) of electricity access defines a continuum of electrification from tier 0, where access is inexistent or very limited, to tier 5 where access is of grid quality. Transitioning households from lower to higher tiers unlocks the potential in meeting more of their energy needs. This study investigates the transition towards higher tier electricity access on Gilutongan Island, an off-grid island of Cebu, Philippines, which is also an informal settlement community with no open land available for a centralized solar PV system. The solar PV potential of suitable rooftops on the island was determined using satellite imagery, ground measurements, and computation. The electricity demand of a cluster of 11 households was examined in detail; these households, situated near two suitable rooftops, were connected to an installed 7.92 kWp solar PV-based microgrid. Results show that the households moved up from lower to higher tier levels in all MTF attributes except for affordability. Nevertheless, the cost of a standard electricity consumption package of 1 kWh/day dropped from 18% of the average household income to 6%. Moving up on the electrification ladder to higher tier electricity access in off-grid areas is attainable with households clustered as a microgrid using rooftop solar PV. Affordability remains to be the biggest challenge that needs to be addressed.

Keywords: electricity access in informal settlements; electrification ladder; multi-tier framework of electricity supply; remote island electricity access; energy poverty; low-carbon energy transition; rooftop solar microgrids; off-grid microgrids; rural electrification (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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