ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA ECONÔMICA ENTRE DIFERENTES OPÇÕES PARA A ELETRIFICAÇÃO DOMICILIAR RURAL

Abstract

Conventional systems of energy operation, developed mainly by means of production units and highly centralized distribution, are not always the best option to satisfy the needs of the rural area. This is partly due to the high dispersion level of the rural zones populations and to their low demands for electric energy, since the economic activities of those populations are generally quite reduced, as well as their energy consumption. The problems to reach distant communities, the farms extent and the low family income make it too expensive to provide electricity via the extension of the conventional electric network. The electric energy generation costs for the rural area by conventional methods are too high, once the conduction and distribution of the energy needed is more expensive than its own generation. Because of this, other options such as the use of renewable energy resources should be considered, as they offer multiple advantages. Some of them are the easy access to materials and to local workers, besides its compatibility with the environment. Moreover, it favours the economic production of small scale useful energy. Among other resources, photovoltaic technology is one of the best alternatives for the supply of electricity to small isolated ...