Solar Wind Hybrid System

o Introduction -
The combination of renewable energy sources, wind & solar are used for
generating power called as wind solar hybrid system. This system is
designed using the solar panels and small wind turbines generators for
generating electricity.

To better understand the working of solar wind hybrid system, we must

know the working of solar energy system and wind energy system. Solar
power system can be defined as the system that uses solar energy for
power generation with solar panels. The block diagram of solar wind hybrid
system is shown in the figure in which the solar panels and wind turbine are
used for power generation.

Wind energy is also one of the renewable energy resources that can be
used for generating electrical energy with wind turbines coupled with
generators.

Wind turbine can be defined as a fan consisting of 2 or 3 blades that rotate

due to blowing wind such that the axis of rotation must be aligned with the
direction of blowing wind. A gear box is used for converting energy from
one device to another device using mechanical method; hence it is termed
as a high-precision mechanical system. There are different types of wind
turbines, but the frequently used wind turbines are horizontal axis turbines
and vertical axis turbines.

Solar Power system consists of three major blocks namely solar panels,
solar photovoltaic cells, and batteries for storing energy. The electrical
energy (DC power) generated using solar panels can be stored in batteries.
or can be used for supplying DC loads or can be used for inverter to feed
AC loads. Solar Energy is available only during the day time whereas wind
energy is available through- out the day depending upon the atmospheric
conditions.

Wind and solar energy are complementary to each other, which makes the
system to generate electricity almost throughout the year.

The main components of the Wind Solar Hybrid System are wind aero
generator and tower, solar photovoltaic panels, batteries, cables, charge
controller and inverter. The Wind - Solar Hybrid System generates
electricity that can be used for charging batteries and with the use of
inverter we can run AC appliances.

Wind aero-generator is installed on a tower having a minimum height of

18. from the ground level. Because of the height, the aero-generator gets
wind at higher speed and thereby generates more power.

o Components-
1. Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Modules)-
 Function: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity
through the photovoltaic effect.
 Type: There are several types of solar panels, including
mono-crystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. The choice
depends on efficiency, cost, and available space.
 Installation: Typically installed on rooftops or in open areas
with maximum exposure to sunlight.
 Output: Solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity.
2. Wind Turbine-
 Function: A wind turbine converts the kinetic energy of the
wind into mechanical energy, which is then used to generate
electricity.
 Components:
I. Blades: The blades capture the wind's energy and turn the
rotor.
II. Rotor: The rotor connects to the blades and converts the
mechanical energy into electrical energy.
III. Nacelle: The housing that contains the generator, gearbox,
and other components.
IV. Tower: The structure that supports the turbine at a height,
ensuring the blades capture maximum wind energy.
V. Output: Wind turbines produce alternating current (AC)
electricity, but this might need to be converted into DC for
storage or further use in hybrid systems.

3. Inverter-
 Function: Converts the direct current (DC) electricity
produced by the solar panels and sometimes the wind
turbine into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used
in most homes and businesses.

 Grid-tied Inverter: Sends excess energy back to the

electrical grid.
  Off-grid Inverter: Used in standalone systems, often
connected to battery storage.
 Hybrid Inverter: A combination that works with both
solar and wind inputs, optimizing energy conversion
and management.

4. Battery Storage (Optional but Common)-

 Function: Stores excess energy produced by the solar
panels and wind turbine for later use, such as during
the night or when wind conditions are low.
 Lead-Acid Batteries: Cost-effective, but less efficient and
have a shorter lifespan.
 Lithium-Ion Batteries: More expensive but have higher
efficiency, longer lifespan, and faster charging times.
 Capacity: The size of the battery storage system
depends on the energy needs and the average
production from the solar and wind components.

5. Charge Controller-
 Function: Protects the battery from overcharging and
overdischarging, ensuring optimal battery performance and
longevity.
 PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Charge Controller: Simple
and cost-effective but less efficient.
 MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) Charge Controller:
More efficient and expensive
6. Controller and Energy Management System
(EMS)-
 Function: Manages the overall energy flow from both the
solar and wind components, ensuring the system operates
efficiently and balancing supply and demand.
 Directs energy to storage when production exceeds demand.
 Determines whether to use energy from the wind or solar
power source based on availability.

7. Mounting Structures-
 Solar Mounts: These are the frames or structures used to
secure solar panels to roofs or ground mounts.
 Wind Turbine Towers: These are tall structures used to
elevate the wind turbine blades to ensure they capture
maximum wind energy.

8. Grid Connection (optional)-

 Function: If the system is grid-tied, an electrical connection
to the utility grid is needed to send excess power back to the
grid or pull from it when production is insufficient.
 Grid-Tied Inverter: Often used to synchronize the system
with the grid and manage the flow of electricity.
  Solar Wind Hybrid System working –

A Solar Wind Hybrid System works by combining two renewable

energy sources solar and wind to provide a more consistent and
reliable power generation solution.

During the day, solar panels generate electricity from sunlight,

which is converted from DC (Direct Current) to AC (Alternating
Current) by an inverter. At the same time, a wind turbine can
produce electricity from the wind, also converting DC to AC
through the same inverter. The hybrid system then manages the
energy flow, prioritizing the available energy source based on
production levels.

When there’s excess energy either from the solar panels or wind
turbine it is stored in batteries for later use, such as during the
night or when wind conditions are low.

If the system is connected to the grid, surplus energy can also be

sent back to the grid, potentially earning credits for the user.
When both solar and wind power are insufficient (e.g., at night or
during calm days), the system will either draw power from the
stored batteries or the grid, ensuring continuous power supply.

The combination of solar and wind ensures that energy is

generated more reliably, reducing the intermittent nature of each
individual source.
  applications of solar hybrid systems:
1. Remote and Off-Grid Areas

2. Residential Homes

3. Commercial and Industrial Applications

4. Telecommunication Towers

5. Agricultural Operations

6. Tourism and Hospitality

7. Water Pumping Systems

8. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

9. Military and Defense Applications

10. Micro-grids

Benefits of Solar Hybrid System Applications-

1. Reliability and Consistency

2. Cost Savings

3. Energy Independence

4. Environmental Benefits

5. Backup Power and Resilience

6. Lower Operating Costs

7. Scalability and Flexibility

8. Increased Property Value

9. Grid Stability and Support

10. Innovation and Technological

 government incentives for solar hybrid

systems in India:
1. Solar Rooftop Scheme-

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan

Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM):
This scheme was launched to promote solar energy among
farmers and rural areas by providing subsidies for setting up solar
pumps and small-scale solar power plants.

Under PM-KUSUM, farmers can set up solar hybrid systems that

integrate solar power with backup energy sources like diesel
generators or storage, enabling better irrigation solutions and
energy generation.

The government provides financial assistance (subsidies) for

setting up solar systems on agricultural land, including solar water
pumps.

Incentives:
30% subsidy for residential rooftop solar systems, with additional
subsidies for the installation of hybrid solar systems that include
batteries or backup power sources.

2. Subsidy for Residential Solar Hybrid Systems-

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) offers a
subsidy for residential solar installations. Hybrid systems that
include energy storage or backup generation components like
wind turbines can also be eligible for these subsidies.

Incentive Structure: For residential solar hybrid systems, the

government offers a subsidy ranging from 30% to 40% depending
on the size and nature of the installation.
Benefit: This reduces the initial installation cost, making solar
hybrid systems more affordable for homeowners.

3. National Solar Mission-

Under the National Solar Mission, the government is focusing on
the promotion of solar energy in India. The mission aims to scale
up the use of solar power generation, including solar hybrid
systems, by encouraging both public and private sector
investments.

The mission also provides financial support, policy frameworks,

and incentives for setting up solar power plants, which can be
hybrid systems combining solar with wind or storage solutions.

4. State-Level Incentives-
Many Indian states offer their own incentives and subsidies to
promote renewable energy installations, including solar hybrid
systems. These state-specific policies can include:

Capital Subsidies for the installation of solar systems (which may

also include hybrid setups with backup generators or storage
solutions).

Net Metering Policies that allow consumers to earn credits for

excess power generated by their hybrid solar systems and fed
back into the grid.Reduced Electricity Tariffs: In some states,
consumers with solar hybrid systems may benefit from reduced
electricity tariffs or incentives for using renewable energy.
 For example:
 Gujarat: Offers subsidies and net metering for residential and
commercial solar hybrid systems.
 Rajasthan: Provides incentives and financing options for solar
energy adoption, including hybrid systems.
 Tamil Nadu: Offers financial assistance and subsidies for
installing renewable energy systems, including hybrid
systems.

5. Solar Hybrid System Financing-

The Indian government, in collaboration with banks and financial
institutions, offers subsidized loans and financing options to make
it easier for individuals and businesses to install solar hybrid
systems.

Nationalized Banks such as SBI and PNB provide low-interest

loans for renewable energy projects, including hybrid solar
installations.

In some cases, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency

(IREDA) also offers low-interest loans to promote solar and hybrid
energy adoption.

6. GST Reduction-
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) on solar equipment, including
hybrid solar systems, has been reduced to 5%. This is a significant
relief for consumers and businesses installing solar systems,
reducing the upfront cost of the system.

Additionally, the government has kept solar inverters, batteries,

and solar panels under lower GST slabs, making these systems
more affordable.

7. Research and Development Support-

The Indian government provides funding and support for research
and development (R&D) in renewable energy technologies,
including hybrid solar systems.

MNRE and other government bodies offer grants and financial

support for the development of advanced solar hybrid
technologies and solutions, particularly in areas like energy
storage and battery development.

8. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Feed-in

Tariffs-
The government has introduced Power Purchase Agreements
(PPAs) and Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) that encourage renewable energy
production, including from hybrid solar systems.

These agreements allow individuals, businesses, or organizations

that install hybrid systems to sell excess energy back to the grid at
a fixed rate, thus providing an income stream or offsetting
electricity costs.
9. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban
Transformation (AMRUT)
Under this initiative, the government focuses on urban
development and sustainability. Cities are encouraged to use solar
hybrid systems to meet energy demands, reduce emissions, and
provide clean energy solutions in urban areas.

Solar hybrid systems can be integrated into smart cities to meet

energy needs sustainably.