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The paper presents a technical and economic analysis for two energy systems (conventional and renewable) with grid connection. The investigation was carried out using an experimental measurement for the desired load and weather data (solar irradiance and ambient temperature), were 5.1 kWh the daily energy consumption as measured and 4.6 kWh/m2/day the annual average of the solar irradiance. The simulation process was done by using MATLAB and HOMER software at a 1 min time step resolution. The economic optimization objective presented for two energy system scenarios (i) photovoltaic/grid and (ii) diesel/grid, takes into account the economic aspects and component prices based on the Iraqi market and regulations. The diesel generator, very popular in rural areas, is designed to work during the same period as the photovoltaic system (only during day hours). The yearly operating hours were recorded at 4380 h/year, and energy generation was approx. 2349 kWh/year while fuel consumption was 1826 L/year. The results showed that the photovoltaic system in scenario (i) can generate about 7895 kWh, and for the diesel generator in scenario (ii), it can generate approximately 2346 kWh. Furthermore, for scenario (i) the levelized net present cost is $1079 and the cost of energy is about $0.035/kWh, while for scenario (ii) the levelized net present cost is $12,287 and the cost of energy is $0.598/kWh. The use of solar energy is highly recommended compared to diesel generators due to the lowest cost and delivery of energy to the grid. Furthermore, it can capture carbon dioxide by about 5295 kg/year.

The electrolysis of renewable energy to produce hydrogen has become a strategy for supporting a decarbonized economy. However, it is typically not cost-effective compared to conventional carbon-emitting methods. Due to the predicted intermediate of low-and zero-marginal-cost renewable energy sources, the ability of electrolysis to connect with electricity pricing offers a novel way to cost reduction. Moreover, renewables, particularly photovoltaics, have a deflationary effect on the value of the grid when they are deployed. This study investigates solar electrolysis configurations employing photovoltaic cells to feed a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer for hydrogen production. Using experimental meteorological data at 1-min precision, the system has been evaluated in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. Positioned at the yearly optimum tilt angle for the selected site, the solar array is rated at 12 kWp. Temperature effects on solar module energy loss are taken into account. Several electrolyzers with capacities ranging from 2 to 14 kW in terms of hydrogen production were examined to determine the efficacy and efficiency of renewable sources. MATLAB was utilized for the simulation procedure, with a 2021–2035 project lifespan in mind. The results suggest that a variety of potentially cost-competitive options exist for systems with market configurations that closely approximate wholesale renewable hydrogen. At 4313 h of operation per year, the planned photovoltaic array generated 18,892 kWh of energy. The achieved hydrogen production cost ranges between $5.39/kg and $3.23/kg, with an ideal electrolyzer capacity of 8 kW matching a 12 kWp photovoltaic array capable of producing 450 kg/year of hydrogen at a cost of $3.23/kg.