Design of Photovoltaic Systems for Seamstresses in Guatemala Using Measured Solar Insolation Data

Grid-tied and off-grid photovoltaic (PV) systems were designed to power a 300W sewing machine to decrease electricity cost and provide a more reliable energy source for low-income women near Santa Cruz del Quiché, Guatemala. As part of an initiative at El Centro de Paz Barbara Ford (BFC), a non-gove...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Rangwala, Azra K., Shay, Lisa A.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Cost benefit analysis
Data models
Energy measurement
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship programs
Meters
Off-Grid System Design
Reliability engineering
Sensor Systems
Solar Energy
Solar panels
Sustainable business models
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Summary:Grid-tied and off-grid photovoltaic (PV) systems were designed to power a 300W sewing machine to decrease electricity cost and provide a more reliable energy source for low-income women near Santa Cruz del Quiché, Guatemala. As part of an initiative at El Centro de Paz Barbara Ford (BFC), a non-governmental, non-profit institution founded in Quiché by the Sisters of Charity of New York, to create decent jobs as seamstresses for Guatemalan women, this project aimed to increase profit and improve living standards for these families through reducing electricity expenses. A custom solar insolation meter was designed and built to determine the required solar panel size more accurately. Solar insolation values were computed for BFC which were then used to estimate PV panel output power. Electricity consumption data at BFC was collected as well as a cost analysis on each PV system. Three PV systems with varying costs and storage capacity were proposed. Two off-grid designs and one grid-tied design were presented to the client, who then decided which system fit their needs.
ISSN:2473-5728
DOI:10.1109/GHTC56179.2023.10354752