Priority-based market clearing model for off-grid P2P energy trading

Standalone solar PV power system is being used as an option for electrification in remote areas around the world providing basic electricity needs. However, the approach suffers from power mismatch and energy efficiency issues. This paper proposes market-clearing model peer-to-peer energy trading (P2PET) based on multiple standalone solar power system design specification in rural Sarawak, Malaysia. The proposed system combined multiple standalone solar PV system within the community through P2PET trading concept. P2PET creates the platform for energy transaction between each system and even support business such as a workshop to operate high-power electrical appliances. As energy generation is constrained in an off-grid system, the proposed market-clearing model prioritizes the energy trading between the seller and business buyer who bring more benefit to the community. Subsequently, participants in energy trading have a selection of strategies to maximize personal benefits such as profit earning or energy sufficiency. Simulation studies are applied to verify the performance of the proposed model which increases energy efficiency, improves the local economy, and maximizes the community’s welfare from electrification.