Performance Analysis and Optimization of Solar PV Integrated with Second-Life EV Batteries for Distributed Generation in Pakistan

Abstract

This paper investigates a residential hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) system integrated with repurposed (second-life) electric vehicle (EV) batteries for distributed generation (DG) in Pakistan. A MATLAB/Simulink-style model is used to simulate PV–battery–grid interactions using a representative household load and a clear-sky irradiance day for Punjab. We compare new (10 kWh) and second-life (8 kWh at ~80% SoH) lithium-ion batteries with simple rule-based dispatch. Placeholder simulation outputs show significant reductions in grid imports for both cases, with second-life batteries achieving ~85–90% of the self-sufficiency of new batteries at lower capital cost. We discuss sizing and dispatch optimization and outline policy and safety considerations for Pakistan’s emerging circular battery economy.