Abstract
This paper proposes an optimum sizing methodology to optimize the configuration of a hybrid energy system (HES) based on Genetic Algorithm (GA). The proposed methodology considers the effect of wind turbine parameters such as rated speed and rated power on electricity cost and compares the performance of various HES. Furthermore, the relationships between renewable energy fraction and the cost of energy are also given. The proposed method was applied to the analysis of HES which supplies energy for remote village located in the northern part of Saudi Arabia. The decision variables included in the optimization process are the PV array capacity, wind turbine number, battery bank number and diesel generator rated power.