Potential assessment of hybrid PV-Wind systems for household applications in rural areas: Case study of Morocco

Abstract

Proper combination of wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can result in optimal configurations that maximise the Annual Energy Production (AEP) while being economically attractive. This paper presents a typical approach to the design of a hybrid PV-Wind system for household applications in rural areas. Based on the capacity factor of the hybrid system components, a design methodology was developed to maximize the AEP and to minimise the investment cost. The electricity generated will be used to meet the load requirements of the user while the potential excess of the power will be stored in the battery system or dissipated in a dump resistor. This design methodology is suitable for household applications presenting limitations in the available roof area where the PV panels will be installed. Implementing the PV panels on the house's roof intends to eliminate the shadow over the panels, to avoid the material damage, and to prevent vandalism. Four different cities were selected to conduct the study. These are Tetouan, Essaouira, Dakhla, and Ouarzazate. For the present design approach, the installed cost of the hybrid system includes the price of the storage system.