autonomous hybrid power plants based on renewable energy sources for off-grid rural electrification

In recent years substantial growth of the demand for electricity took place in remote rural settlements where grid extension is not justified economically whereas the cost of electricity produced by autonomous diesel generators is extremely high. small and medium off-grid hybrid power plants based on the combination of photovoltaic, wind and diesel generation with battery storage facilities can provide cleaner and sometimes even cheaper energy than conventional diesel only systems. we evaluated economic and technical feasibility of hybrid generation systems providing rural household electricity consumption in various locations in different parts of the world including russia, india, nigeria, uzbekistan, and other countries. computer simulation using the multiple criteria analysis and analytic hierarchy process proves economic feasibility of adequately balanced hybrid systems compared to conventional diesel generators especially considering high fuel prices in remote areas. it can be concluded that implementing solar and wind energy is not only an environmentally friendlier but also economically justified approach for providing reliable and uninterrupted power supply for household demands in rural settlements without constructing expensive grid extensions.