How Should Solar, Battery and Generator Power Work Together?
Build a simple daily dispatch plan that uses solar first, battery storage within a defined reserve, and generator energy for the remaining requirement.
How a hybrid dispatch plan works
A simple priority strategy can serve load from solar first, then use available battery energy above its protected reserve, and finally use the generator for the remaining deficit.
Why battery reserve changes generator use
Holding more battery energy in reserve increases future resilience but reduces how much stored energy is available for today's load. The optimal reserve depends on the purpose of the hybrid system.
Generator energy is not the same as generator power
This planner uses daily energy availability. A real generator must also be capable of supplying instantaneous loads, starting motors and operating within its minimum stable loading range.
Why generator fuel curves matter
Actual generator fuel consumption varies with loading. A single $/kWh input is therefore a simplified economic assumption rather than a fuel-curve simulation.
When this tool is useful
It is useful for early-stage comparison of solar, battery and generator energy contributions, especially when you want to identify whether the system's energy deficit can be covered at all.
FAQs
Does solar charge the battery in this model?
No. Solar is allocated directly to load first, while the battery is treated as already charged to the entered starting SOC.
Can the generator charge the battery?
No. The generator only serves the remaining modeled load deficit.
What happens if generator capacity is insufficient?
The remaining shortfall is displayed rather than hidden.
Does this guarantee off-grid operation?
No. Real systems need time-series dispatch, power limits and equipment-specific controls.