Abstract:
This study investigates the effects of grid reliability on the energy production and economic
performance of the 4 MW Busitema Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Plant in Uganda.
Despite the increasing deployment of Grid-tied solar PV systems, frequent grid outages and
voltage fluctuations in Uganda’s power infrastructure pose significant challenges to their
performance.
The research was conducted over a four-month period from November 2024 to March 2025, during
which half-hourly solar generation data and grid conditions were analyzed. Results revealed a total
of 360,556 kWh of unutilized solar energy due to 2,520 minutes (42 hours) of grid outages,
translating into financial losses of approximately UGX 14.6 million (USD 3,980.49).
To mitigate these losses, three technical solutions were evaluated: Battery Energy Storage Systems
(BESS), Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS), and hybrid inverter systems capable of islanding mode
operation.
Technical simulations using MATLAB and cost-benefit analyses showed that while PHS had a
negative Net Present Value due to high capital investment, both BESS and hybrid inverter systems
presented financially viable options, with the hybrid inverter achieving the shortest payback
period.
The study concludes that addressing grid reliability through smart storage and control technologies
is essential for maximizing the potential of solar PV plants and achieving energy sustainability
goals in Uganda. Recommendations include adopting BESS as the primary mitigation strategy and
developing predictive outage management tools to enhance system resilience.
