Techno-economic evaluation of different hybrid power generation systems for an off-grid residence in Greece

Due to their stochastic nature, some renewable energy sources, like solar energy and wind, are inappropriate to solely cover most types of electricity needs. The absence of a 24-hour basis availability brings forth electricity conversion and storage issues. These factors have led the hybrid power systems to gather increasing interest of R&D studies. Hybrid power systems, those who consists of two or more different type generators, are seen as a way to provide power to remote residences or small communities in the developing world where the costs for large scale expansion of electrical grids is prohibitive and the transportation cost of fossil fuels is also high. The aim of this paper is to examine the feasibility of various hybrid power generation systems covering the electrical needs of a typical family house which is grid independent. The residential load is comprised by certain consumption profiles in heating, cooling, lighting, refrigeration and other appliances. The absence of grid connection in isolated areas together with the economic disadvantages of the enlargement of the grid to these areas, may set off the widest application and utilization of small autonomous hybrid systems.