| Fuel supply position world wide is getting more | | | | situation. We find that suitable conditions for power |
| alarming and the energy costs for homes are forever | | | | generation by wind and by solar radiation are |
| on the rise. Under this condition we have to look for | | | | complementary in character. When sun is strong in |
| a viable alternative energy source at a reasonable | | | | summer, wind generally is not and in winter when sun |
| price. Everybody is talking about the Solar energy and | | | | is not strong, wind is fairly strong and consistent. |
| the Wind energy for homes as alternatives. | | | | A hybrid system using both solar and wind power |
| However, for use in stand-alone, i.e. off-grid, | | | | generation would ensure a reasonable amount of |
| applications both these energy systems have serious | | | | power all the year round. |
| limitations. | | | | Granted the cost of a hybrid power system will be |
| Wind power | | | | more than that of either of the two systems alone. |
| Availability and speed of wind are very much subject | | | | But many of the system components will be |
| to seasonal and variable factors and it cannot be a | | | | common to both the energy systems. For instance, |
| very satisfactory solution for stand-alone applications | | | | the inverter, the battery, the safety and disconnect |
| everywhere. | | | | components, the charge controller, etc will be |
| Solar power | | | | required in the solar system as well as in the wind |
| Even though sun shines all over the earth, duration of | | | | system. And if we avoid that duplication in the hybrid |
| sunshine is a function of the latitude at which the | | | | system, you will be able to get adequate power all |
| place is situated and also of the season. Solar power | | | | the year round for only a little additional cost. |
| may not be a very satisfactory solution for | | | | Taking this into account a hybrid system will be a |
| dependable power to stand-alone applications | | | | very good bargain! |
| everywhere | | | | Getting a connection from the utility in an area not |
| In both these systems we may require fairly heavy | | | | served by it is quite prohibitively costly. For |
| investment on large battery backups in order to get | | | | stand-alone, off-grid applications a hybrid power |
| reasonably dependable power all year round. | | | | system will be the only viable solution for power |
| Hybrid Power Solution | | | | supply. |
| These difficulties themselves point to a solution to | | | | When you install a hybrid power system, install a |
| this dilemma. Not only in the US but in many other | | | | small diesel generator too; this small additional |
| places in the world the same condition mentioned | | | | investment will ensure that you are never left |
| above exists. Let us take another look at the | | | | stranded for power. |