Personal profile
Research Interests
The body of work analyzes how renewable energy technologies can advance electrification, resilience, and sustainability in isolated and developing communities across Latin America, with a strong emphasis on hybrid and distributed systems. The research integrates technical–economic evaluations, optimization of system sizing and dispatch strategies, and the use of software tools (HOMER, PVSyst, PVSite, GAMS, CPLEX, NEPLAN, MATLAB/Simulink) to compare configurations of solar, wind, biomass, diesel generators, and various energy-storage technologies (lead-acid, Li-ion, zinc–air, fuel cells, and batteries). Several studies quantify levelized costs of energy, reliability improvements, and CO2 reductions, while exploring policy, governance, and social impacts of off-grid electrification and BIPV adoption. The methodological core combines simulation, optimization, and case studies (islands and rural communities in the Gulf of Guayaquil and Ecuador) to identify cost-effective, reliable, and scalable pathways for energy access, with results highlighting the importance of storage sizing, dispatch strategies, and regulatory frameworks to maximize renewable adoption and socioeconomic benefits. The impact spans technical guidance for practitioners, policy implications for rural electrification, and evidence supporting the viability of grid-defection-like solutions in remote settings.
Key Topics:
- Power Systems, Renewable Energy & Microgrids
- Optimization, Operations Research & Decision Support
- Energy Storage, Batteries & Electric Mobility
- Rural Electrification & Social/Environmental Impact
- Policy, Governance & Regulation
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy -
SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth -
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities -
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities -
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production -
SDG 13 Climate Action -
SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Evaluation of the Social and Techno-Economic Impact of Rural Electrification in Isolated Places with Photovoltaic Systems: Gulf of Guayaquil Evidence (ISOTEF)
Ampuño Aviles, G. O. (Col), Parra Rosero, P. G. (Col), Nuñez Izaguirre, P. O. (Col), Lata Garcia, J. C. (PI), Jaime Carriel, J. R. (Col), Flores Bastidas, L. M. (Col) & Vera Onofre, K. H. (Student)
27/02/24 → …
Project: Research and Development
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Technical-Economic Analysis of Renewable Energy Storage Systems (ATESAER)
Parra Rosero, P. G. (Col), Lata Garcia, J. C. (PI), Collahuazo Chavez, N. A. (Student) & Perez Pazmiño, A. J. (Student)
5/12/18 → 6/12/19
Project: Research and Development
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Optimal Sizing of an Isolated Hybrid Renewable Energy System on Santay Island (SH-ENER Santay)
Parra Rosero, P. G. (Col), Lata Garcia, J. C. (PI), Macancela Cabrera, J. P. (Student) & Perez Pazmiño, A. J. (Student)
3/08/17 → 2/07/20
Project: Research and Development
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Analysis of the Efficiency and Quality of Energy Production of Photovoltaic Solar Systems Installed in Different Cities of Ecuador
Villaroel, S., Molina, J. L., Lata-García, J. & Swarupa, M. L., 2026, Renewable Energy, Green Computing, and Sustainable Development - 2nd International Conference, REGS 2025, Proceedings. Gundebommu, S. L., Chintala, L. R. & Kotha, S. R. (eds.). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, p. 26-37 12 p. (Communications in Computer and Information Science; vol. 2612 CCIS).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
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Economic-Energy Assessment of the Hybrid Isolated Microgrid SPV/Wind/Batteries at the Guayaquil Campus
Pontón, A., Mackliff, G. & Lata-Garcia, J., 2026, Renewable Energy, Green Computing, and Sustainable Development - 2nd International Conference, REGS 2025, Proceedings. Gundebommu, S. L., Chintala, L. R. & Kotha, S. R. (eds.). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, p. 38-49 12 p. (Communications in Computer and Information Science; vol. 2612 CCIS).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
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Optimal Electrical Dispatch by Time Blocks in Systems with Conventional Generation, Renewable, and Storage Systems Using DC Flows
Paredes, E., Chilig, E. & Lata García, J., 29 Jan 2026, In: Applied Sciences (Switzerland). 16, 3, 124 p., 1372.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Comparison of Photovoltaic Power Generation between Monofacial and Bifacial Panels
Lata Garcia, J., Maliza, W., Ampuno, G., Vera Onofre, K., Flores Bastidas, L. & Reyes Romero, P., 2025, TEMSCON LATAM 2025 - Technology and Engineering Management Society Conference. Mendoza, P. S., Vilora-Nunez, C. & Ahumanda-Tello, E. (eds.). Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., (TEMSCON LATAM 2025 - Technology and Engineering Management Society Conference).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
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Energy Evaluation of Photovoltaic Integration in Student Building with Different PV Technologies
Lata-García, J., Parra, P., Ampuño, G. & Maliza, W., 2025, Trends in Clean Energy Research - Selected Papers from the 9th International Conference on Advances on Clean Energy Research, ICACER 2024. Chen, L. (ed.). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, p. 11-20 10 p. (Green Energy and Technology).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review