Performance Evaluation of Hybrid Solar Photovoltaic/Biogas Systems Connected to the Grid: Case Study of a Rural Community in Argentina

Authors

  • Juan Pablo Cecchini National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) and the National University of Rafaela (UNRaf) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4471-397X
  • Luis Ignacio Silva Centro de Investigación y Transferencia de Rafaela CONICET-UNRaf, Rafaela, Argentina
  • Esteban Luis Venghi Centro de Investigación y Transferencia de Rafaela CONICET-UNRaf, Rafaela, Argentina https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3185-0975
  • Carlos Ramiro Rodríguez Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
  • Ernesto Esteban Coutsiers Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of Salta https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6276-6120

Keywords:

Biogenerator, Livestock waste, Connected hybrid system solar energy, HOMER Pro

Abstract

This study models and evaluates a hybrid energy system for the Pujato Norte community, integrating photovoltaic solar, a biogas generator, and grid connection. Using HOMER Pro software, the project assessed economic feasibility, operational aspects, and maintenance costs over a 25-year projection, targeting a minimum 50% renewable energy contribution. Results indicate an optimal configuration comprising a 501 kW photovoltaic plant and a 50 kW biomass generator, capable of meeting the average daily load of 4,109 kWh. While the estimated initial investment is USD 997,029 and the resulting energy cost of USD 0.1738/kWh exceeds current grid rates, the system delivers a significant environmental benefit: a 41% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to 297,554.86 kg CO₂ annually. This substantial decrease underscores the hybrid system's potential to provide a more sustainable, long-term energy alternative by mitigating the environmental impact of local power generation.

 

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Author Biographies

Juan Pablo Cecchini, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) and the National University of Rafaela (UNRaf)

Juan Pablo Cecchini holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the National University of the Littoral, UNL, Santa Fe, Argentina. He is a researcher at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) and professor at the National University of Rafaela (UNRaf). His research focuses on the renewable energies and environment. His research interests include clean energy, life cycle assessment (LCA) and multidisciplinary projects.

Luis Ignacio Silva, Centro de Investigación y Transferencia de Rafaela CONICET-UNRaf, Rafaela, Argentina

Luis I. Silva received his Electronic Engineering degree (2005) from Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina; his MS degree in Space Sciences (2007) from Lulea Technical University, Sweden and his Doctorate in Engineering Sciences (2012) from Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Argentina. He is also an official researcher at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) of Argentina. His research interest is focused on modelling and simulation of electrical systems and energy efficiency of electrical machines and drives.

Esteban Luis Venghi, Centro de Investigación y Transferencia de Rafaela CONICET-UNRaf, Rafaela, Argentina

Luis E. Venghi received his degree in Electronic Engineering in 2016, from Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina. He also received his PhD degree in Engineering Sciences in 2022, at the Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina. He is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow of CONICET and member of the Research and Transfer Center of the Universidad Nacional de Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina. His topics of interest are: electric drives, fault diagnosis, fault tolerance and electric vehicles.

Carlos Ramiro Rodríguez, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina

Carlos R. Rodríguez was graduated in physical chemistry from the National University of Córdoba - UNC (1989). Doctorate in Physics (PhD) - UNC (2000). Postgraduate degree in Finance from the Argentine Business University - UADE (2024). Senior Associate Consultant at Caldén Consulting (2022). President of the Nova Vektors Foundation (2015). Professor in the Department of Mathematics of the Faculty of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences - UNC (2009) to the present. Experience and area of interest in research and transfer: Management of the production, storage, transportation, and use of Sustainable Energy and Energy Vectors, and Rational and Efficient Use of Energy.

Ernesto Esteban Coutsiers, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of Salta

Ernesto Coutsiers is a Nuclear Engineer (Balseiro Institute), holds a Master's in Business Administration (UTN, FRC), a Master's in Renewable Energy Management (University of Barcelona), and is a Doctoral candidate in Sciences, Renewable Energy Area (UN Salta). He is a specialist in regulation, in the economic evaluation of energy projects, and a founding partner of the consulting firm Calden. He works on projects throughout Latin America, the USA, the EU, and Asia. He is dedicated to the regulatory development of concession contract renewals, the integration of renewable energies into energy systems, and the economic analysis of the green hydrogen value chain. He is strongly committed to the energy transition and the development of new professionals in the sector.

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Published

2025-10-01

How to Cite

Cecchini, J. P. ., Silva, L. I., Venghi, E. L., Rodríguez, C. R., & Coutsiers, E. E. . (2025). Performance Evaluation of Hybrid Solar Photovoltaic/Biogas Systems Connected to the Grid: Case Study of a Rural Community in Argentina . IEEE Latin America Transactions, 23(11), 1011–1021. Retrieved from https://latamt.ieeer9.org/index.php/transactions/article/view/9866

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 11 (2025): Ordinary Issue

Section

Electric Energy