Hybrid wind energy systems can provide reliable off-grid power
for homes, farms or even entire communities (a co-housing project, for
example) that are far from the nearest utility lines. According to many
renewable energy experts, a “hybrid” system that combines wind and
photovoltaic (PV) technologies offers several advantages over either
single system.
In much of the United States, wind speeds are low in the summer when the sun shines brightest and longest. The wind is strong
in the winter when there is less sunlight available. Because the peak
operating times for wind and PV occur at different times of the day and
year, hybrid systems are more likely to produce power when you need it.
For
the times when neither the wind nor the PV modules are producing, most
hybrid systems provide power through batteries and/or an
engine-generator powered by conventional fuels such as diesel. If the
batteries run low, the engine-generator can provide power and recharge
the batteries. Adding an engine-generator makes the system more complex,
but modern electronic controllers can operate these systems
automatically.
An engine-generator can also reduce the size of the other components needed for the system.
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| Hybrid Power Systems - Combine multiple sources to deliver non-intermittent electric power |
Keep in mind that the storage capacity
must be large enough to supply electrical needs during non-charging
periods. Battery banks are typically sized to supply the electric load
for one to three days.
An off-grid hybrid system may be practical for you if:
- You live in an area with average annual wind speed of at least 9 mph (4.0 m/s).
- A grid connection is not available or can only be made through an expensive extension. The cost of running a power line to a remote site to connect with the utility grid can be prohibitive, ranging from $15,000 to more than $50,000 per mile, depending on terrain.
- You would like to gain energy independence from the utility.
- You would like to generate clean power.
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