Hybrid Power: How Solar and CHP Work Together
How Solar and Combined Heat & Power (CHP) Work Together
A hybrid on-site power generation system, incorporating both combined heat & power (CHP) and solar, can help many facilities substantially reduce energy costs.
When solar and CHP systems are used together as an integrated “hybrid” system, they can significantly reduce both baseload and peak utility costs, and even more so compared to using only a CHP or a solar system alone.
Baseload is defined as the minimum amount of energy required to continuously power a facility, while peak demand is based on “time of use” pricing. This means the utility provider charges your company more during times of peak demand or higher use, such as during the summer when businesses are operating with air conditioning.
Typically, CHP systems are effective at reducing baseload usage, while solar energy systems excel at offsetting peak demand energy usage. When combined into a hybrid CHP/solar power system, the following benefits can be realized:
- Significant energy savings for large-volume energy users (up to 50%).
- Minimize economic disruption from future utility rate hikes, with stable, predictable energy costs for the long-service lifetimes of these systems.
- Reduce or eliminate downtime resulting from utility grid outages. On-site power is very stable and highly reliable.
- Meet corporate emissions reduction and sustainability goals using clean (CHP) and renewable (solar) power.
Download the Hybrid Power Fact Sheet to learn more about hybrid CHP/solar power systems, including available state and federal financial incentives.
For more information or to talk with an on-site energy solution expert, call 866.720.2700 or email onsitepower@gogemenergy.com.
