Technoeconomic assessment of a hybrid solar/wind installation for electrical energy saving

• Published in: Energy and buildings 2003-02, Vol.35 (2), p.139-145
• Main Authors: Bakos, G.C, Tsagas, N.F
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Building technical equipments; Buildings; Buildings. Public works; Electrical energy saving; Energy; Energy management and energy conservation in building; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Environmental engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Natural energy; Photovoltaic conversion; Photovoltaic power plants; Rational use of energy: conservation and recovery of energy; Renewable energy; Solar energy; Solar thermal system; Wind energy; Wind energy conversion system
• ISSN: 0378-7788
• DOI: 10.1016/S0378-7788(02)00023-3

This paper reports the technical feasibility and economic viability of a hybrid solar/wind grid connected system for electrical and thermal energy production, covering the energy demand of a typical residence in the city of Xanthi (Greece). The technical characteristics of the solar and wind energy subsystems are given. The energy output provided by the hybrid energy system was estimated using a simulation program, which is based on the Monte Carlo method, for reading the solar radiation and wind potential data. The auxiliary energy supply is based on the output of a combined-cycle natural gas power plant, recently constructed in the Thrace region. The economic analysis of the proposed hybrid solar/wind system is performed using the life cycle savings (LCS) method and the payback period (PBP) of the initial capital cost is determined.