Application of multi-criteria decision-making technique for the optimal selection of hybrid renewable energy systems

This study evaluates four hybrid off-grid energy system configurations for Mtsindo village,
Malawi: wind-photovoltaic (PV)-battery, diesel-PV-battery, wind-diesel-battery, and windPV-diesel, to identify the most viable solution using techno-economic modelling and
multi-criteria decision analysis. System performance and costs were simulated in HOMER
to generate technical, economic and environmental indicators (including net present
cost, levelized cost of electricity, renewable fraction, fuel consumption and carbon dioxide
emissions). The best–worst multi-criteria decision-making method was applied to these
indicators to derive criterion weights and rank alternatives. The results indicate that the
diesel-PV-battery configuration is the preferred option. It achieves the lowest net present
cost (US$1,372,343), a levelized cost of electricity of US$0.1536/kWh, and annual carbon
dioxide emissions of 8,260 kg. The wind-PV-battery system ranks second with the lowest
levelized cost of electricity, and zero emissions, but higher capital cost. Wind-diesel-battery
configuration ranks third, exhibiting a moderate net present cost and an 89.6% renewable
fraction. In contrast, the wind-PV-diesel system ranks lowest due to its high net present
cost and carbon dioxide emissions, despite generating the highest annual electricity
generation. The analysis highlights trade offs between affordability, environmental
performance and reliability. The results are consistent with TOPSIS and analytical hierarchy
process techniques in terms of ranking, with strong correlation against TOPSIS, justifying
the robustness and consistency.