Complementary hybrid PV systems reduce reliance on energy storage

As variable renewable energy, dominated by solar and wind energy, accounts for an increasing proportion of the world's energy mix, how to strike a balance between its inherent intermittent characteristics and the achievement of a continuous and reliable energy supply has become an important issue. a bigger challenge.

The potential of a hybrid approach is clear – several studies have shown that a hybrid wind and solar system can reduce the need for energy storage by 50% compared to either generating technology alone. These conclusions are summarized in the article "Review of Renewable Energy Complementarity: Concepts, Metrics, Applications, and Future Research Directions," published in the journal Solar Energy.

Potential of hybrid solar and generator systems
How multiple sources of power generation can flatten the power fluctuation curve in the wider grid, and propose a hybrid approach that can also have a positive impact on the wider water-energy-food nexus than the grid itself, especially when it comes to hydropower in the case of. The researchers point out that “a good case is a hydro-based power system, where reservoirs are often used for hydroelectric power generation as well as for irrigation purposes (food-energy nexus). Electricity generation to reduce hydropower generation.”

The research team points to a series of economic barriers that also hinder further development of the hybrid system, and points to Germany's market premium scheme as a good example of a government's supportive policy. In terms of research, the industry needs to take into account the expected changes in regional climate, On the basis of field data and modelling on the cost of hybrid solar systems and more types of power generation sources, a better understanding of the complementarity between different sources, especially in regions such as Africa and Asia where such studies have so far been rare. The key to further development is also to create a unified set of methods to allow for better lateral comparison of various studies and systems.