Evaluation of Off-grid Hybrid Renewable Systems in the Four Climate Regions of Iran

Abstract

Renewable systems influence the process of supplying domestic electricity demands. It will be useful to replace the conventional energy generation system by renewable energy sources since the uncontrolled use of fossil fuels is accompanied by global warming and environmental hazards, in addition to the danger of their depletion, and because most of the energy derived from these fuels are used in buildings. Economical renewable energy systems have not yet been studied in each climate of Iran. Considering the historical background and the potential biomass of Iran, the potential of using a hybrid solar cell/wind turbine/biomass system for supplying the electricity demands of a residential building in each of the four climate regions of Iran has been studied by using HOMER software in this paper. HOMER software has been determined the most cost-efficient system for each region by using the solar radiation and wind speed data, which are acquired over 20 years. By considering economic issues, results indicate that usage of solar cells is the ideal option for the cold, hot dry and warm humid climates (Total net present cost (NPC) and cost of electricity (COE) are $11639 and 1.808 $/kWh, respectively). Also, usage of systems based on biomass is the best choice for the moderate and humid climates (total NPC and COE are $13211 and 2.052 $/kWh, respectively for Babol and $13075 and 2.031 $/kWh, respectively for Chalous).