Design of a hybrid photovoltaic system for a gable roof at the La Suiza Farm mini-industry

Abstract

The instability of the electrical grid in rural areas of Cuba affects the productivity of small industries, increasing costs and dependence on fossil fuels. Grid-connected photovoltaic systems offer an alternative, although their generation concentrated at midday does not always match consumption profiles. The objective of this research is to design a hybrid photovoltaic system with a dual-pitch roof structure (east and west orientations) to optimize daily generation and guarantee the electricity supply for the mini-industry "Finca La Suiza" in Ciego de Ávila. A load analysis was performed, and the PV generator was sized with 40 DSM-380MP panels (15.2 kWp), considering the local average solar irradiance of 5.28 kWh/m²/day and an inclination of 24°. A hybrid inverter, the SMA Sunny Tripower 15000TL-10, was selected. The dual-pitch roof structure design was modeled to distribute generation and compare its performance with a traditional South-facing configuration. The system generates a net energy of 59.43 kWh/day, exceeding the critical consumption of the industry. The dual-pitch structure showed a flatter and more extended generation profile, reducing the midday peak by 25% and shifting 15-20% of production toward the morning and afternoon. This improves the match with demand and reduces injection during peak hours. The hybrid inverter ensures operational continuity during grid failures. The design represents a viable solution for the Cuban context, optimizing the use of solar radiation and favoring integration with the local grid.