Techno-Economic Feasibility of PV–Wind Hybrid Energy Systems in Low Wind Regimes: A Case Study of Ilaro, South-West Nigeria

Abstract

The persistent electricity deficit in Nigeria, particularly in the South-West region, necessitates sustainable and reliable energy alternatives such as solar and wind. However, the region is characterized by low wind regimes, limiting the effectiveness of standalone wind energy systems. Low wind speed will not overcome turbine inertia and thus the need for low cut-in speed wind turbines. The lack of studies in solar-wind hybrid system in South-West Nigeria also discourages any attempt at implementations. This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of a hybrid photovoltaic (PV)–wind energy system for Ilaro, Ogun State. A simulation-based analysis was carried out with HORMER and PVsyst with three configurations, namely PV-only, wind-only, and PV–wind hybrid. Input data includes local solar radiation data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), wind speed profiles, and a mini community daily load demand of 250 kWh. Results show that while wind-only systems are economically unviable, integrating low cut-in wind turbines with PV significantly improves system reliability by reducing unmet load to approximately 2%, as compared to 7% for the PV-only system and 18% for the wind-only system. The hybrid system outperformed standalone systems with a COE of 202 N/kWh. The findings demonstrate that a properly designed hybrid PV–wind system is feasible and optimal for Nigeria's low-wind regions such as the South-West.