Optimal Design and Cost–Benefit Analysis of a Solar Photovoltaic Plant with Hybrid Energy Storage for Off-Grid Healthcare Facilities with High Refrigeration Loads

This paper presents the optimal design and cost–benefit analysis of an off-grid solar photovoltaic system integrated with a hybrid energy storage system for a Category 3 rural healthcare facility in Elands Bay, South Africa. The optimal configuration, designed in Homer Pro, consists of a 16.1 kW solar PV array, 10 kW lithium-ion battery, 23 supercapacitor strings (2 modules per string), 50 kW fuel cell, 50 kW electrolyzer, 20 kg hydrogen tank, and 10.8 kW power converter. The daily energy consumption for the selected healthcare facility is 44.82 kWh, and peak demand is 9.352 kW. The off-grid system achieves 100% reliability (zero unmet load) and zero CO₂ emissions, compared to the 24,128 kg/year of CO₂ emissions produced by the diesel generator. Economically, it demonstrates strong competitiveness with a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of ZAR24.35/kWh and a net present cost (NPC) of ZAR6.05 million. Sensitivity analysis reveals the potential for a further 20–40% reduction in LCOE by 2030 through anticipated declines in component costs. Hence, it is established that the proposed model is a reliable and viable option for off-grid rural healthcare facilities.