Optimal Sizing of Grid Connected PV/Wind Hybrid System Using Homer Software

Abiy Mekonnen

Abstract: The renewable energy sources have increased significantly due to environmental issues and fossil fuels elevated cost. Integration of renewable energy sources to utility grid depends on the scale of power generation. Large scale power generations are connected to transmission systems whereas small scale distributed power generation are connected to distribution systems. Conventionally a battery bank is used as the backup system in standalone Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) while in grid-connected systems the grid performs as the backup during power shortage periods. For the latter, different prices of electricity during peak and off-peak hours raises a question about the cost effectiveness of using the grid as a backup this paper focuses on the design of an optimized grid connected small-scale HRES, The performance of the proposed design method is evaluated based on a case study for a typical Village in Ethiopia

Keywords: Wind energy, solar energy grid-connected hybrid systems