Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic–Biomass Gasifier Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Remote Electrification: A Review

👥 Sandeep Mahajan, Ashish Kumar Rai

📙 Abstract : Reliable electricity supply remains a challenge for remote communities where grid extension is technically difficult or costly. Solar photovoltaic (PV) generation offers clean daytime electricity, while biomass gasification can provide dispatchable power when solar output is insufficient. This review synthesizes the literature summarized in the source thesis and its case study of Manak Dand village, Betul district, Madhya Pradesh, India. Previous studies indicate that hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) can improve supply continuity by combining complementary resources, storage and appropriate dispatch strategies. The thesis case models a stand-alone system using a 16 kW PV array, a 12 kW biomass gasifier-generator, battery storage and a 12 kW converter, optimized in HOMER. The reported configuration is designed for an average daily demand of 127.77 kWh and a peak demand of 8.91 kW, with a reported net present cost (NPC) of US$57,448 and annualized cost of US$5,081. The review discusses system architecture, sizing and economic indicators, environmental considerations, limitations and research directions. Results are case-specific and depend on local solar resource, biomass availability, demand profile, financing assumptions and component costs.

🔖 Keywords :️ Solar photovoltaic; biomass gasifier; hybrid renewable energy system; rural electrification; HOMER; techno-economic analysis.