Research Article
Reliability Analysis and Performance Assessment of the Badiari Hybrid Photovoltaic Power System (Sedhiou, Senegal)
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-13
Received:
5 December 2025
Accepted:
18 December 2025
Published:
16 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsge.20261501.11
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Abstract: In the context of the energy transition and Senegal’s objective to increase the share of renewable energy to 20%, this study investigates the reliability of an off-grid photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in the village of Badiari, Sédhiou region, in the south of the country. Over a three-month period (June to August), corresponding to the rainy season, the 5 kWp production system was continuously monitored using an intelligent SMA inverter, enabling minute-by-minute data collection. The analysis reveals a clear mismatch between the system’s generation capacity and the users’ energy demand. The lead-acid batteries (1,000 Ah) undergo recurrent deep discharges, occasionally reaching critical levels (21 % state of charge), significantly shortening their operational lifespan. Simultaneously, the backup generator, intended to mitigate these deep discharges, is seldom activated. Frequent overvoltage events, shutdowns due to extreme temperatures (up to 80 °C at the heat sink), and islanding phenomena highlight both system imbalance and structural vulnerability. Reliability metrics were quantified, with a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 10,907 minutes and a Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) of 43 minutes in June, compared to 8,671 minutes and 329 minutes, respectively, in August. These values underscore the irregularity of energy supply. The findings emphasize the need to reconsider the sizing and maintenance strategies of rural solar installations. Recommended measures include increasing battery bank capacity (up to 2,500 Ah), introducing power limiters for consumers, and improving the thermal management of the technical room (ventilation, insulation). Implementing these strategies is expected to enhance local energy autonomy and improve the long-term sustainability of solar infrastructures.
Abstract: In the context of the energy transition and Senegal’s objective to increase the share of renewable energy to 20%, this study investigates the reliability of an off-grid photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in the village of Badiari, Sédhiou region, in the south of the country. Over a three-month period (June to August), corresponding to the rainy ...
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Mame Faty Mbaye Fall
