Novel Decentralized Solar-DC Systems for Community Energy Self-Sufficiency: A Validated Case Study

This paper explores a novel decentralized approach to energy generation using low-voltage DC solar systems, aiming to enhance community participation and self-sufficiency in energy production. The approach capitalizes on recent advancements in power electronics and promotes the adoption of energy-efficient DC appliances, thereby eliminating the complexity associated with traditional inverters and streamlining both the implementation and maintenance of solar power systems. The study details the developmental journey and testing phases of innovative low-voltage DC solar systems deployed across standalone homes and multi-storey residential buildings. Initial experiments conducted in standalone houses utilizing a 24V DC configuration for ceiling fans, LED lights, and batteries have demonstrated robust performance over a span of five years, consistently maintaining optimal battery conditions across diverse weather conditions. Subsequent implementations in standalone houses with varying load requirements further validated the efficacy and adaptability of the design. Furthermore, the approach successfully scaled to a five-storey residential building context, showcasing significant strides in achieving energy self-sufficiency across multiple households. This was made possible through strategic utilization of shared terrace spaces for solar panel installations, illustrating the practicality and scalability of decentralized energy generation models. The observed achievement of 40% to 50% energy self-sufficiency for basic household needs underscores the model's potential to meet substantial energy demands while promoting sustainability and resilience within communities. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into decentralized energy solutions, highlighting their capacity to empower communities and accelerate progress towards achieving global sustainability goals.