Solar-based multi-generation hybrid energy system; simulation and experimental study

The increasing need for energy, the limitation of fossil fuels, and the environmental and economic aspects of the conventional energy system have caused a lot of research and developmental activities regarding renewable energies. In the current paper, we analysed the feasibility of utilising a hybrid solar system to provide electricity, hot water, and drinking water in the parks of Tehran, Iran. The proposed hybrid system was simulated to investigate its lifetime performance using PVsyst, TSOL, and RETScreen. Furthermore, to validate the simulation, a small-scale system was manufactured and experimentally tested. The simulation and experimental results confirm the feasibility of the system regarding the technical and economic aspects. Exploring environmental issues also emphasises the implementation of such a system for future designs. It is to be noted that the purposed pattern of the hybrid system could be easily generalised and extended for other sites in urban and rural contexts. The equity paybacks of the PV, solar hybrid water heater, and solar water desalination sections were 4.4, 2.3, and 1.6 years, respectively.