Techno-Economic Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production and EV Charging Using Redundant Energy from Solar PV Mini-Grids


 

Techno-Economic Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production and EV Charging Using Redundant Energy from Solar PV Mini-Grids

In the quest for a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable energy future, solar photovoltaic (PV) mini-grids have emerged as a decentralized solution for powering remote and semi-urban areas. But there's a catch—what happens to the surplus energy generated during peak sunlight hours? Instead of letting it go to waste, that redundant energy can be smartly repurposed for green hydrogen production and electric vehicle (EV) charging. This blog explores the techno-economic potential of integrating these solutions to optimize energy use and drive climate goals forward.

 Redundant Energy

Solar PV systems often generate more electricity than is immediately needed—especially at midday when demand is low but sun exposure is high. In traditional systems, this surplus energy either gets curtailed or requires expensive battery storage. But in advanced setups, this redundant energy becomes a golden opportunity for creating value.

Two Smart Applications: Hydrogen & EV Charging

Green Hydrogen Production

Through electrolysis, surplus solar power splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, producing green hydrogen—a clean, storable fuel. It can:

  • Serve industries like steel and fertilizer

  • Act as long-term energy storage

  • Power fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)

 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging

EVs represent the future of clean transport. Using excess solar power to charge them:

  • Reduces grid strain during peak hours

  • Enables low-cost, zero-emission driving

  • Integrates clean mobility with renewable energy

Techno-Economic Insights

Technical Feasibility:

  • Smart integration enables real-time switching between hydrogen generation and EV charging.

  • Electrolyzers and smart inverters work seamlessly with solar mini-grids.

  • Modular designs make it scalable from village to city scale.

Economic Viability:

  • Capital Costs: High initially, especially for electrolyzers and storage tanks.

  • Operational Costs: Very low when powered by “free” excess solar energy.

  • Revenue Streams:

    • Hydrogen sales to local industries or fuel stations

    • EV charging services for private users or fleets

    • Carbon credits and government green energy incentives

Return on Investment

With falling costs of electrolyzers and rising EV adoption, such systems can break even within 5 to 7 years—especially in regions with high solar irradiance and increasing fuel costs.

 Environmental & Social Benefits

  • Carbon Neutrality: Significant reduction in fossil fuel use and emissions.

  • Rural Empowerment: Brings energy, fuel, and mobility to remote communities.

  • Job Creation: From technicians to EV maintenance, new green jobs are born.

  • Circular Energy Economy: Encourages sustainable production and usage cycles.

 Key Challenges

  • High initial infrastructure costs

  • Need for water and electrolyzer maintenance

  • Regulatory hurdles in hydrogen transport and safety

  • Lack of standardized charging infrastructure in remote areas

 Conclusion

This techno-economic model demonstrates how green hydrogen and EV charging can turn surplus solar energy into tangible assets for the future. Solar PV mini-grids, when integrated with smart technology, don’t just generate electricity—they power economies, transport systems, and climate solutions.
The world doesn’t need more power. It needs smarter power—and this dual application could be the breakthrough that shapes the next decade of clean energy transition.


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