As shown in the diagram above, a hybrid system uses a combination of energy producing components that provide a constant flow of uninterrupted power. The hybrid system above makes the use of wind, solar, and possibility a back up generator.
Hybridization ensures that should any part of your system not be performing (solar -cloudy days, wind- no wind) for any reason, you will have a back up means of producing your own electricity.
Examples of Hybrid systems are:
Solar Electric and Wind - using wind turbines to supplement the electricity you produce during in climate weather
Solar Electric and Generator - using a propane generator to charge batteries when the sky is overcast
Solar Electric and Hydro - Water from a running stream generates electricity on cloudy days
Wind and Diesel - A wind generator can supplement a diesel generator
The most popular hybrid choice is that of solar and wind. It's generally windy to some degree during overcast days, which makes wind towers and turbines effective when the sun isn't shining. The wind collectors will also work at night, providing there's wind. Alone, the solar and wind systems both have flaws; solar can't work without sun, and wind can't work without wind. When the two systems are combined, they fairly well cover each others' weaknesses.
Hybrid systems work for both off-grid solutions (such as using propane generators to charge batteries when the sky is overcast) and for grid-tie systems (using wind turbines to supplement the electricity you produce during
in climate
weather).
