Based on the results, more than 85% of the energy is from the wind while solar provides approximate 13%. This shows that the current system provides sufficient energy to the site, however due to the lack of dispatchable energy generation and energy storage, the hybrid energy generation could not reach its full potential and allow full renewable energy autonomy.
From our simulation with Homer Pro, the proposed system would be required:
● No expansion for existing Wind and PV Farms
● 5 Tesla Powerpacks with the total capacity of 1.05MWh
● a Biogas Generator with the capacity of 1MW is required
● All the excess energy to be exported to the grid (≈5.3 GWh/yr)
● No electricity imported from the grid
From financial perspective, various investment appraisal techniques were applied to the proposed investment, all of which produced positive results. With a payback period of 4 years, NPV of £4,799,888 over a 10-year period when cost of capital is 10%, and IRR of 3.89% (over a 5-year period), 8.67% (over a 6-year period), and 16.61% (over a 10-year period), indications of the positive nature of this investment and its potential for success are strong.
● The proposed system provides for 100% of energy demand in a fully sustainable manner.
● With the combination of solar, wind, biogas and batteries, 100% renewable fraction is successfully achieved
● System designed to be scalable i.e. adaptable methodology
● Payback period of 5 years
● Maximum renewable generation with minimum energy storage capacity
● Proposed system has been proven to be technically feasible, however government subsidies may be required for the project to be financially feasible