Case Study 2: Payback Scenario of Solar, Wind and Hybrid Power System - Deployment at CPDAM Frostburg State University
Tariq MASOOD(1), Jamil Abdo(1), Kaimiao Liu(1), Shakil M Rahman(2), Iftikhar Ul- Haq(2) 1. Department of Engineering and Sustainable Technologies, Frostburg State University - USA 2. TOPSOE Making Energy Transition, Kgs-Lyngby Denmark 2026-06-27

Abstract

This case study presents the design, development, and implementation of a residential-scale hybrid solar and wind power generation system installed at the Center of Product Design and Advanced Manufacturing (CPDAM) at Frostburg State University (FSU). The “WISE” system integrates a 2-kW photovoltaic (PV) array and a 1.8 kW wind turbine mounted on a 45-ft monopole tower, jointly supplying a small residential-type building through a grid-tied configuration with net metering. Extensive resource assessment was conducted using three Davis Weather Pro®stations and long-term solar-insolation modeling. The hybrid system incorporates advanced inverter/charger technology, MPPT algorithms, remote monitoring, and automatic generator start capability, enabling reliable, scalable operation for both on-grid and backup modes. Real-time performance data collected throughout the year confirms stable output in varying weather conditions and validates the system’s technical and educational value. The project demonstrates a viable residential renewable energy model, strengthens regional sustainability efforts, and provides experiential learning opportunities for engineering and technology students at FSU.

Performance data collected in real time over twelve months show that the hybrid system operates reliably, even in the highly variable weather conditions of the Appalachian region. The system achieved a combined annual energy production of approximately 2.9 MWh. The economic analysis reveals a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.56 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), with projected payback periods ranging from 12 to 25 years, depending on electricity price scenarios. Beyond technical validation, the system serves as a living laboratory, integrating operational data into undergraduate engineering curricula and supporting regional workforce development initiatives, thereby enhancing its educational and regional benefits. The primary contribution of this case study is the integration, deployment, and year-round analysis of a residential-scale hybrid PV–wind system, providing validated performance data from an Appalachian high-elevation environment. The work further contributes an educational model that links real system data with engineering coursework and handson learning at FSU.

Key words: Hybrid, photovoltaic, PV array, thermostat, auto generator, Solar charger

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