Comparison between a photovoltaic system and a wind power system in the Brazilian semi-arid region

Globally, there is an escalating pursuit for renewable energy sources, significantly boosting the wind energy industry. By 2022, a surge in capacity by an additional 77 GW is anticipated. Brazil, like many other countries, has made substantial investments in wind energy. The Northeast region of Brazil is particularly notable in energy generation, with four of its states emerging as the top producers in 2022. This paper delves into the dynamics between wind and photovoltaic systems, aiming to compare these two sustainable energy generation systems. The goal is to ensure savings, quality, and efficiency for the Federal University of the Semi-Arid Region (UFERSA) campus in Caraubas. The comparative analysis involves the existing photovoltaic plants at the university, which have an installed capacity of 299.68 kWp, and a proposed wind turbine system with a capacity of 20 kW for potential implementation on the campus. To complement the power generated by the photovoltaic plants and achieve a comparable output, the use of 15 wind turbines, totaling 300 kW, is proposed. Wind data from the year 2022 was analyzed. The study uncovered that a single wind turbine could generate approximately 10,032.09 kWh/month, yielding a financial return of R$8,441.75. With a small-scale wind farm comprising 15 turbines, the projected revenue escalates to R$126,626.23