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Solar and Wind Hybrid Generation Systems = Best of Both Worlds
According to many renewable energy experts, a small "hybrid" electric system that combines wind and solar (photovoltaic) technologies offers several advantages over either single system.
In much of the United States, including all most of Colorado, wind speeds are relatively lower in the summer when the sun shines brightest and longest. The wind is strongest in the winter when less sunlight is available due to shorter days. Because the peak operating times for wind and solar systems occur at different times of the day and year, hybrid systems are more likely to produce electricity consistently throughout the year.
Many hybrid systems are stand-alone systems, which operate "off-grid" (not connected to an electricity distribution system or utility). For the times when neither the wind nor the solar system are producing, most hybrid systems provide power through batteries and/or an engine generator powered by conventional fuels, such as diesel or liquefied natural gas (LNG). When the batteries run low, the generator turn on providing power to the property, and recharging the batteries. The generator runs until the batteries are partially charged. The system must not administer a full charge or it will not allow for the wind generator and solar panels to produce more energy. The dumploads on the solar panels and wind generator will catch all current not needed to fully charge the batteries.
 Adding an engine generator makes the system more complex, but modern electronic controllers can operate these systems automatically, on or off grid. An engine generator can also reduce the size of the other components needed for the system such as the battery bank. Keep in mind that the storage capacity must be large enough to supply electrical needs during non-charging periods.
Battery banks are typically sized to supply the electric load for one to three days use, depending on generator availability, size, and fuel cost.
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