Towards hybrid grid-connected solar power plants: A case study of IAUN Science and Technology Park in Iran

The growing global demand for electricity has intensified the need for efficient and sustainable energy production. While a variety of technologies — ranging from fossil fuels to hydropower, nuclear, and renewables — are utilized for electricity generation, fossil fuel power plants remain predominant. However, the environmental consequences of fossil fuel use, including pollution and global warming, as well as the finite nature of these resources, present significant challenges. In response, there has been a growing focus on alternative energy sources, particularly renewable technologies. Among these, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have garnered increasing attention due to their availability, low installation and maintenance costs, and low environmental impact. Iran, facing high establishment costs for other types of power plants, is turning to solar energy as a key solution. This article evaluates the feasibility of installing a 100 kW PV power plant at the Science and Technology Park of Islamic Azad University of Najafabad (IAUN) in Iran. The system incorporates both rooftop and floating PV installations. Technical analysis is conducted using PVsyst software, while economic and environmental assessments are carried out with RETScreen software. The results indicate a payback period of 3.4 years, with the system expected to mitigate 109 tons of CO 2 emissions annually. • Techno-economic and environmental assessment of a hybrid land-floating PV system. • Floating PV shows lower thermal and soiling losses compared to rooftop modules. • Integrated modeling includes LID and long-term degradation effects. • Hybrid PV system achieves a 3.4-year payback with notable CO 2 emission reduction.