Engineering-Economic Comparison of Grid-Tied and Standalone Solar Energy Solutions for Sustainable Rural Electrification

Access to reliable electricity continues to be a significant challenge in many rural areas of developing countries. This study offers a detailed engineering-economic comparison between grid-tied and standalone solar energy systems, with a focus on sustainable rural electrification. By utilizing real-world load profiles, solar resource data, and system component costs, we assess both configurations based on performance indicators such as Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Net Present Cost (NPC), system reliability, and environmental impact. A rural community scenario is modeled and simulated using HOMER Pro to evaluate system design under varying demand and climatic conditions. The results indicate that while grid-tied systems provide cost benefits in areas with stable grid access, standalone systems offer enhanced energy independence and resilience in remote or underserved locations. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, energy planners, and stakeholders seeking sustainable, context-specific electrification solutions in developing regions.