Hybrid energy

A Hybrid energy system usually consists of two or more renewable energy sources used together to provide increased system efficiency as well as greater balance in energy supply.

An example of a hybrid energy system is a Solar photovoltaic array of panels, and even Solar Heat collectors, coupled with a Wind Turbine.

This would create more output from the wind turbine during the winter, whereas during the summer, the solar panels would produce their peak output.
The combination also works efficiently with greater energy output during the day with the Solar panels & collectors, with wind turbine generated energy at night.

The Hybrid system above uses wind and solar system to support and power a street light.
One wind solar street light is a independent system which does not need the power supply from the grid (all the power comes from the renewable energy: wind & sunshine).

The Hybrid renewable system below is one that again provides electricity from a Wind generator and Solar panels from the sun during the day, and continues to be supported by the Wind energy generator source, coupled with energy stored in batteries at night.
This Hybrid renewable energy system may also include a Solar thermal Hot water system that has collected the sun’s radiation during the day to heat and store hot water in the boiler for use at night.

Hybrid energy systems oftentimes yield greater economic and environmental returns than wind, solar, hydro or biomass generation stand-alone systems by themselves.