The growing global energy demand, driven by population growth and technological advancements, highlights the need for sustainable solutions, especially for remote and rural areas lacking reliable electricity access. Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs) offer a promising approach by combining renewable resources, conventional energy sources, and energy storage to address the challenges of standalone renewable systems, such as intermittency and high initial costs. HRESs can operate in standalone and grid-connected modes, enhancing energy reliability and economic viability by balancing renewable energy generation, storage, and grid interaction. This study focuses on evaluating the feasibility and optimization of HRESs, integrating solar panels, battery storage, and grid connectivity in Reykjavík, Iceland, using HOMER Pro software.
This paper assesses the performance, cost, and environmental impacts of four grid-connected energy configurations in Reykjavik, Iceland. The study compares scenarios that integrate photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery storage with the traditional grid supply. The configurations analyzed include grid standalone, grid and battery, grid and PV, and grid connected to both PV and battery systems. Using HOMER Pro software, the research identifies optimal system designs to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, reduce operational costs, and improve energy reliability.
The results reveal that the grid connected to both PV and battery systems offers the most environmentally sustainable solution.