Techno-Economic Optimization of a Solar PV-Battery System for Light-Trap-Based Shallot Pest Management in Nganjuk, Indonesia

Abstract

Shallot farming in Nganjuk Regency, Indonesia, faces pest problems such as beetles, sucking ladybugs/bees, ants, and grasshoppers that can interfere with growth and reduce crop productivity. One approach that can be developed is the use of light trap devices powered by renewable energy. This study aims to design and analyze a solar power plant (PLTS) system as an energy source to support the pest repellent system on onion farmland. The system analysis was conducted using HOMER Pro software, incorporating solar radiation data. The simulation was used to determine the system configuration capable of meeting the energy requirements of the pest control devices by considering technical and economic factors, including generation capacity, energy storage, energy production, system reliability, Net Present Cost (NPC), and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). The simulation results showed that the optimal system configuration consisted of a photovoltaic module with a capacity of 0.700 kW, two SAGM 12 205 batteries, and a converter with a capacity of 0.398 kW. The system is capable of producing 1,382 kWh/year of renewable energy to meet an annual load demand of 942 kWh/year, achieving a 100% renewable energy share. The system’s Net Present Cost (NPC) is IDR 65,412,740, and the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) is IDR 753.52/kWh. The study’s results indicate that an energy system based on renewable energy sources can serve as an independent electricity source to support the application of pest control technology in shallot farming. The optimization results also suggest that the contribution of wind turbines to an  optimal configuration requires further study based on the characteristics of wind potential and the technical parameters of the turbines used.