Tinawro, D.Mulaudzi, T. S.Muronga, Shandukani2025-10-162025-10-162025-09-05Muronga, S. 2025. Comparative Assessment of Grid-Tied and Isolated PV/Hybrid Energy System for Grid-Connected Facilities: Case of Masia Development Centre and Vuwani Science Centre Energy Systems. . .https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/3022MSc (Physics)Department of PhysicsThe study underscores the significance of a sustainable energy system for national progress, particularly highlighting the increasing adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) in South Africa. Solar PV integration into the current power generation systems offers financial and ecological benefits, but determining the optimal configuration, especially in areas with an existing utility grid, is challenging. A walk-through energy audit was conducted at the Masia Community Development Centre and the Vuwani Science Centre to establish accurate energy demand profiles. Using the Hybrid Optimisation Model for Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER), the study analysed load characteristics for two sites: the Masia Community Development Centre and the Vuwani Science Centre. Results show that grid-connected (GC) systems outperform off-grid (OG) systems in technical and economic terms, as evidenced by their lower net present cost (NPC) and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) values, alongside higher power output. However, GC systems’ reliance on grid electricity, often derived from non-renewable sources, increases greenhouse gas emissions. Among the evaluated configurations, the Photovoltaic-Grid-Converter (PV/Grid/Conv) architecture emerged as the most cost-effective, delivering low NPC, LCOE, and operating costs of R1,852,811.00, R1.63, and R20,878.56, respectively, for Masia, and R2,969,068.00, R1.07, and R83,039.74 for Vuwani. When scaled to Masia’s total facility demand, values reached R15,768,780.00 NPC, R1.90 LCOE, and R365,062.00 operating costs. Despite its efficiency, the PV/Grid/Conv system struggles with nighttime supply. It is vulnerable to load shedding, suggesting the advantage of incorporating PV/Battery/Grid/Converter (PV/Batt/Grid/Conv) systems for enhanced reliability in critical applications. The off-grid (OG) systems remain vital for remote locations where grid extension is impractical, enabling sustainable electrification, reduced fossil fuel dependence, and greater energy independence. This analysis offers valuable guidance for energy planners and system designers, balancing economic performance, environmental impact, and reliability in PV system deployment.1 online resource (xii, 72 leaves)enUniversity of VendaHomerGrid-tiedUCTDStand aloneHybridRenewable energy source621.312440968257Photovoltaic power systems -- South Africa -- LimpopoPhotovoltaic power generation -- South Africa -- LimpopoSolar power plants -- South Africa -- LimpopoSolar batteries -- South Africa -- LimpopoSatellite solar power stations -- South Africa -- LimpopoBuilding-integrated photovoltaic systems -- South Africa -- LimpopoDissertationMuronga S. Comparative Assessment of Grid-Tied and Isolated PV/Hybrid Energy System for Grid-Connected Facilities: Case of Masia Development Centre and Vuwani Science Centre Energy Systems. []. , 2025 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from:Muronga, S. (2025). <i>Comparative Assessment of Grid-Tied and Isolated PV/Hybrid Energy System for Grid-Connected Facilities: Case of Masia Development Centre and Vuwani Science Centre Energy Systems</i>. (). . Retrieved fromMuronga, Shandukani. <i>"Comparative Assessment of Grid-Tied and Isolated PV/Hybrid Energy System for Grid-Connected Facilities: Case of Masia Development Centre and Vuwani Science Centre Energy Systems."</i> ., , 2025.TY - Thesis AU - Muronga, Shandukani AB - The study underscores the significance of a sustainable energy system for national progress, particularly highlighting the increasing adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) in South Africa. Solar PV integration into the current power generation systems offers financial and ecological benefits, but determining the optimal configuration, especially in areas with an existing utility grid, is challenging. A walk-through energy audit was conducted at the Masia Community Development Centre and the Vuwani Science Centre to establish accurate energy demand profiles. Using the Hybrid Optimisation Model for Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER), the study analysed load characteristics for two sites: the Masia Community Development Centre and the Vuwani Science Centre. Results show that grid-connected (GC) systems outperform off-grid (OG) systems in technical and economic terms, as evidenced by their lower net present cost (NPC) and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) values, alongside higher power output. However, GC systems’ reliance on grid electricity, often derived from non-renewable sources, increases greenhouse gas emissions. Among the evaluated configurations, the Photovoltaic-Grid-Converter (PV/Grid/Conv) architecture emerged as the most cost-effective, delivering low NPC, LCOE, and operating costs of R1,852,811.00, R1.63, and R20,878.56, respectively, for Masia, and R2,969,068.00, R1.07, and R83,039.74 for Vuwani. When scaled to Masia’s total facility demand, values reached R15,768,780.00 NPC, R1.90 LCOE, and R365,062.00 operating costs. Despite its efficiency, the PV/Grid/Conv system struggles with nighttime supply. It is vulnerable to load shedding, suggesting the advantage of incorporating PV/Battery/Grid/Converter (PV/Batt/Grid/Conv) systems for enhanced reliability in critical applications. The off-grid (OG) systems remain vital for remote locations where grid extension is impractical, enabling sustainable electrification, reduced fossil fuel dependence, and greater energy independence. This analysis offers valuable guidance for energy planners and system designers, balancing economic performance, environmental impact, and reliability in PV system deployment. DA - 2025-09-05 DB - ResearchSpace DP - Univen KW - Homer KW - Grid-tied KW - Stand alone KW - Hybrid KW - Renewable energy source LK - https://univendspace.univen.ac.za PY - 2025 T1 - Comparative Assessment of Grid-Tied and Isolated PV/Hybrid Energy System for Grid-Connected Facilities: Case of Masia Development Centre and Vuwani Science Centre Energy Systems TI - Comparative Assessment of Grid-Tied and Isolated PV/Hybrid Energy System for Grid-Connected Facilities: Case of Masia Development Centre and Vuwani Science Centre Energy Systems UR - ER -