Feasibility of hybrid in-stream generator–photovoltaic systems for Amazonian off-grid communities

While there have been efforts to supply off-grid energy in the Amazon,
these attempts have focused on low upfront costs and deployment rates.
These “get-energy-quick” methods have almost solely adopted diesel
generators, ignoring the environmental and social risks associated with
the known noise and pollution of combustion engines. Alternatively, it is
recommended, herein, to supply off-grid needs with renewable, distributed
microgrids comprised of photovoltaics (PV) and in-stream generators (ISG).
Utilization of a hybrid combination of renewable generators can provide an
energetically, environmentally, and financially feasible alternative to
typical electrification methods, depending on available solar irradiation
and riverine characteristics, that with community engagement allows for a
participatory codesign process that takes into consideration people’s
needs. A convergent solution development framework that includes
designers—a team of social scientists, engineers, and communication
specialists—and communities as well as the local industry is examined
here, by which the future negative impacts at the
human–machine–environment nexus can be minimized by iterative, continuous
interaction between these key actors.