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About this course

Hybrid PV systems are designed to increase the reliability of solar. In hybrid PV systems, the most used conventional source is a diesel generator. The benefit of integration of photovoltaic energy with conventional fossil fuel based generator is that the weakness of solar are complemented by the strength of the generator and conversely. Solar resource, as all other renewable source of energy, is variable in nature; it’s can’t all the time and everywhere be reliable. A generator which can locally produce enough power to supply the load makes hybrid systems more reliable.

Hybrid PV systems are suitable for off grid or unreliable grid areas, they are the best solution:

*Where a generator could be used 24h/7;
*When the effective cost of fuel at the point of consumption, including transportation and storage, exceed one dollar per liter;
*Where there is willingness to save operational expenditure or to reduce on CO2 emissions and going green.

This short course provides a quick recap of Solar PV basics and then walk you through the main planning steps of a Diesel - PV hybrid system.

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • List the components of a PV-Diesel hybrid systems and describe their working principles
  • Discuss the benefits of integration of photovoltaic energy with conventional fossil fuel based generator
  • Be able to shape a load profile for a specific user
  • Be able to size the components of a PV-Diesel hybrid system based on a specific load profile

Course outline

2 modules
25 minutes of video lectures
Module 1 • 12 assignments
Hybrid PV- diesel energy systems planning basics

  • Solar PV Basics (.pdf)
  • Load estimate (06:18 minutes)
  • Load profile (02:42 minutes)
  • Energy efficiency (02:22 minutes)
  • Sizing the PV array (03:23 minutes)
  • Diesel generators (03:22 minutes)
  • Selecting the generator (01:02 minutes)
  • Energy storage (02:26 minutes)
  • Sizing the battery bank
  • Inverter (02:37 minutes)
  • Specifying the inverter (01:14 minutes)
  • Hybrid PV-diesel energy systems planning (.pdf)

Instructor

Mathy Mpassy Isinki

Founder, Energy One Africa

Mathy is the founder of Energy One Africa, a company founded with the goal of giving energy access to underserved low income consumers via pay-as-you-go. Energy One Africa's subscribers own a solar lamp after its full payment through small increments equivalent to their current kerosene lighting expense. Energy One Africa plans to reach 33000 subscribers in the rural...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. The lecture video and other materials are available any time.
How long do I have access to the materials?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your group.

Reviews

4.5
Based on 171 reviews
714
students have taken this course
06/10/2024

A simple explanation about the basics of hybrid photo-voltaic diesel energy systems and it's working principles.

Chidera Chidi
07/15/2023

i find this course simple and very interresting

Mamadou Faye
07/14/2023

The given examples are self explanatory for beginners and good memory refreshers for pros. Very interesting session

Asiru Azeez

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