Modeling and Simulation of Grid-Connected Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems Using HOMER Pro Software

This paper presents a techno-economic evaluation of three hybrid renewable energy configurations for the electrification of Khadva village in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. Using HOMER Pro software, the study analyzes three scenarios: Case 1 (PV + Grid + Battery), Case 2 (Wind + Grid + Battery), and Case 3 (PV + Wind + Grid + Battery), assessing their performance based on Total Net Present Cost (NPC), Levelized Cost of Energy (COE), capital and operating expenditures, renewable fraction, and grid dependency. Among the evaluated options, Case 3 emerged as the most optimal configuration, offering the lowest NPC (₹1.23 Cr) and COE (₹7.18/kWh), along with the highest renewable fraction (63.4%), indicating effective integration of solar and wind resources with minimal reliance on grid electricity. Case 2 also showed competitive performance with considerable renewable contribution (58.3%) and moderate costs, while Case 1, though simpler in design, resulted in the highest COE and the lowest renewable contribution (9.4%). The results underscore the value of combining diverse renewable sources to enhance system reliability, sustainability, and economic viability in rural electrification. This analysis provides a practical framework for optimizing decentralized hybrid energy systems in off-grid or weak-grid regions, promoting clean energy access in remote areas.