Design and Performance Evaluation of Hybrid Solar-Wind Systems forOff-Grid Electrification: Analyzing Energy Reliability, StorageOptimization, and Cost-Benefit Trade-offs in Remote and Rural

Abstract

This study investigates the design, performance evaluation, and economic feasibility of hybrid solar-wind systems for off-grid electrification in remote and rural areas. Since the existing centralized power grid is unavailable in some parts of the world or still limited in many others, hybrid renewable energy systems are considered to be more efficient than fossil fuel-based generators. The integration of solar and wind power generation systems with battery storage systems optimized for fulfilling continuous power requirements throughout the year. Performance indexes like the energy productions, reliability characteristics of the system, energy storage and the cost-benefit analysis are determined through the simulation models of this study. The results show that the percentage of reliability is more than 90% during most of the year, and the storage capacity is effective in managing the fluctuation of energy production by season. Contained within this is also an assessment of the economic fundamentals for the system over time through the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and NPV showing the system improves capital cost profitability over the medium and long-term through fuel and maintenance savings. Moreover, it is also added that the reduction of the CO2 emissions from the conventional diesel generators is another factor that is linked to the environmental advantage of the hybrid system. This research is significant in assessing the viability of the combination of solar and wind photovoltaic systems in offering clean, viable and cost-effective solutions to the off-grid electrification of rural areas to enable power, and environmental sustainability.