Sustainable Energy Solutions for Island Microgrids: Onshore and Offshore PV Feasibility Analysis

This paper addresses integrating sustainable energy in island microgrids by evaluating the feasibility of onshore and offshore photovoltaic (PV) systems for Gili Trawangan, Indonesia. Using qualitative feasibility analysis and HOMER Pro simulations, the study assesses technical, economic, social, and environmental impacts. High solar irradiance indicates significant potential for solar projects. Optimal PV configurations with grid connectivity can reduce external power reliance by up to 96.2% and achieve an LCOE as low as $0.1365 per kWh. PV installations, placed at least 50 meters from tourism and residential areas, show minimal visual and noise impact. Offshore PV systems, benefiting from water cooling, offer higher energy yields without land use. Battery storage integration improves system resilience, potentially reducing the net present cost by 34.1%. These findings highlight the feasibility of large-scale PV deployment on islands, balancing energy needs with socio-environmental sustainability.