Hybridization of solar photovoltaic and biogas system: Experimental, economic and environmental analysis

The coupling of renewable energy systems has proven to be advantageous in achieving sustainable and reliable energy generation. In this study, the techno-economic and environmental assessment of a hybrid 1 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant (having battery backup) and a 3.5 kVA biogas fueled (BF) generator was investigated. The hybrid system was subjected to constant load conditions from 20% to 80% of the rated power conditioning unit (PCU), and energy shared by the combined systems was investigated. At lower loads, the photovoltaic system was sufficient to meet the demand. Whereas at higher loads, energy share from the biogas system was required for meeting the load demand. Economic analysis over a project lifetime of 25 years revealed a high positive net present value of $1562.15 with a Levelized cost of the energy value of $0.21/kWh for the hybrid system. A comparative financial analysis for the standalone solar photovoltaic system was also performed using the system advisor model (SAM). System advisor model analysis resulted in a positive net present value of $306.45 and a Levelized cost of the energy value of $0.15/kWh. The environmental analysis revealed net CO2 mitigation of 104.59 Tons, equivalent to an earned carbon credit of $2090.31 from the hybrid system.