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The intermittent nature of renewable energy resources is a major obstacle in utilizing such resources for power generation despite their abundance. In this paper, a dynamic analysis of an integrated system based on photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines coupled with pumped hydro energy storage is presented. When the power generation exceeds the power demand, surplus electricity is used to pump the water to the upper reservoir. The natural inflow of the river obviates the necessity for oversized reservoirs and saves costs. A recently introduced multi-objective equilibrium optimizer algorithm is developed to find the optimal size of the integrated hybrid energy system. The objectives are to minimize the levelized cost of electricity and maximize the reliability of the proposed system. The results show that the correlation between solar and wind power generation in the selected location is mildly strong with a value of 0.3. The total energy generation from hydro, solar, and wind resources are 77,508.7 kWh, 103,323 kWh, and 47,375.4 kWh, respectively. Comparing the results with other algorithms indicates that the equilibrium optimizer has a better performance in finding the optimal design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The German government's goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2045 and increasing the use of renewable energy, particularly wind and solar power, has public support. However, the local siting of wind and solar farms is highly controversial due to land-use conflicts. We have developed a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) model that integrates criteria from the literature to identify optimal locations for ground-mounted photovoltaic (GM-PV). The model is based on a holistic approach considering energy-related factors and broader environmental and climate aspects. The unique feature of the model is its integration of socio-technical and environmental criteria, including a novel approach to achieving a dual land-use climate benefit by protecting erosion-prone soils and conserving soil carbon in areas prone to organic matter decomposition and associated CO 2 release. Our multi-criteria GM-PV model includes 12 restrictions and five suitability criteria representing key socio-technical, economic and environmental aspects. Scenario analysis highlights the sensitivity of Germany's GM-PV potential to defined criteria. In Scenario 1, with minimal constraint, 14.2 % of Germany's land is available for GM-PV, decreasing to 1.9 % in the highly constrained Scenario 12. Suitable areas (>10 ha) account for 0.4 % of Germany's land area, which could cover 8.1 % of Germany's electricity consumption in 2045 in the highly restricted scenario. The spatial distribution results show that the innovative approach of the model changes the preference of GM-PV locations based on factors such as solar radiation in the south and soil carbon storage in the north of Germany. The application of restriction and suitability criteria significantly reduces the potential for GM-PV in Germany but also potential pitfalls for decision-makers. The GIS model can be applied in regional context to integrate stakeholder values and generate region-specific scenarios, as criteria and thresholds can be easily adapted to regional characteristics, preferences, and concerns, including those related to agriculture, biodiversity, and social acceptance. • The model considers climate aspects and integrates socio-technical and ecological criteria. • The novel approach includes soil erosion and CO 2 release from the decomposition of organic matter. • Ground-mounted PV meets at least 8.1 % of Germany's electricity demand in 2045, using 0.4 % of the country's land. • The innovative approach of the model changes the preferred locations for Ground-mounted PV. • The model can integrate stakeholders' local preferences and generate region-specific scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rooftop solar is increasingly promoted as a source of low-carbon household energy; however, there is a plausible concern that solar installations might influence energy consumption patterns in ways that undermine potential environmental benefits. In this study, we examine the impact of residential rooftop solar panels on energy usage in Vietnam. Leveraging a comprehensive and unique panel dataset, we employ a difference-in-differences identification strategy to estimate the effects of solar installation on consumption. Our models reveal that households installing solar panels reduce grid consumption (typically carbon-intensive) by approximately 3.6 %. This reduction occurs concomitantly with an increase in total consumption of around 16 %, indicating a substantial rebound effect from solar panels. Nonetheless, dynamic models suggest a diminishing trend over time for both the decline in grid usage and the rebound effect, leveling off to 1.5 % and 3.5 %, respectively, within one year of solar installation. Acknowledging the marked differences in household consumption behavior and electricity demand dynamics between developing and developed nations, our research provides valuable insights into the understanding of the solar rebound effect and its dynamics over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]