Evaluating Off-Grid Energy Solutions for Rural Demand in Brazil – A Case study

Autores

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21712/lajer.2026.v13.n2.p94-109

Palavras-chave:

diesel generators

Resumo

Recently, Electrical energy enables the operation of machinery, heat generation, and information transmission. This energy is generated, transmitted, and distributed until it reaches the end consumer; however, interruptions in the power supply pose significant challenges, especially for rural producers in the state of Goiás, who face losses such as food spoilage and the death of animals in breeding facilities. With the advancement of distributed generation, consumers are increasingly able to produce their own energy, becoming prosumers. This study presents a case analysis of a rural property located in Cezarina, Goiás, Brazil, aiming to identify the most suitable solution for ensuring a reliable energy supply through alternative generation sources. Three scenarios are evaluated: (1) Grid Electricity + Backup Generator, (2) Grid Electricity + Off-Grid Photovoltaic System, and (3) Grid Electricity + Off-Grid Photovoltaic System + Battery Storage. Based on the property’s energy demand, equipment is dimensioned for each configuration, and a financial analysis is conducted using key indicators such as Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Discounted Payback Period, and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). The results indicate that the "Grid Electricity + Off-Grid Photovoltaic System + Battery Storage" scenario presents the best overall feasibility. Although it requires an initial investment nearly nine times higher than the traditional "Grid Electricity + Backup Generator" configuration, it offers a lower LCOE and demonstrates greater long-term financial and operational advantages over a 30-year analysis horizon.

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Biografia do Autor

  • Fernando Carvalho Assunção da Silva, School of Science and Technology, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Brazil

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  • Fernando Nunes Belchior, School of Science and Technology, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Brazil

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  • Marcelo Nunes Fonseca, Production Engineering Department, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo, Brazil

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  • Felipe Lima Aires, School of Science and Technology, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Brazil

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  • Julian David Hunt, Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

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Publicado

03-09-2026

Edição

v. 13 n. 2 (2026)

Seção

Energias de Baixo Carbono

Licença

Direitos autorais (c) 2026 Latin American Journal of Energy Research

Creative Commons License

Este trabalho está licenciado sob uma licença Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

O autor, no ato da submissão do artigo, transfere o direito autoral ao periódico.

Como Citar

Silva, F.C.A. et al. (2026) “Evaluating Off-Grid Energy Solutions for Rural Demand in Brazil – A Case study”, Latin American Journal of Energy Research, 13(2), p. 94–109. doi:10.21712/lajer.2026.v13.n2.p94-109.