Case study: Performance of a small grid-tie wind-solar generation system

Experience gained from the operation of the Wind and Solar Energy (WISE) Demonstration system constructed on a state university campus is discussed. The small grid connected system consists of 1.8-kW wind turbine and 2-kW solar panels. It has been generating electricity since September 2007 to supply a small building on campus, which accommodates university offices. The purpose of the WISE project was to develop first-hand experience on electric generation for residential, agricultural, and small business applications in the region. Actual generation data collected throughout the six-year operation of the system are used to evaluate the performance of the solar PV and wind parts of the hybrid system. Efficiency of the components and cost effectiveness of the PV, wind, and hybrid systems are discussed based on the actual cost of the system with 2007 prices and estimated cost of a similar system with 2013 list prices.