The Vila Restauração Microgrid is (re)energisa's pioneering clean energy project in the heart of Brazil's Amazon rainforest. Through this initiative, one village's fossil power supply was effectively replaced by renewables. Consequently, families that once received only 3 hours of electricity from diesel generators now enjoy 24-hour supply of renewable energy at a remarkable 60% cost reduction.
This microgrid is an impressive setup, comprising a photovoltaic installation with a capacity of 325 kW and a lithium-ion battery system capable of holding 829 kWh. Furthermore, it features modern amenities such as 4G internet, wireless smart meters, biogas plants, and 2 backup generators powered by locally sourced biodiesel.
A significant aspect of the project involves billing management through a digital payment system that includes an energy consumption limit, adding a social dimension. Each household adheres to a consumption limit of 80 kWh per month, and a smart meter ensures compliance by remotely disconnecting consumers who exceed this threshold. Incredibly, this system provides reliable, clean energy to approximately 1,000 members of the community, and there are plans for its future deployment across the entire Amazon region. The microgrid's sustainable and user-friendly design, coupled with its ability to enhance lives while preserving the Amazon rainforest, garnered high praise from our panel of judges.
The text is an excerpt from TaiyangNews New Solar Products Overview H1/2023, which can be downloaded for free here.