Remote off-grid telecom, government radio or observation sites powered by solar and wind are strongly influenced by volatility of generation and struggle with this challenge, especially in the case of bad designs and lack of remote monitoring of the power supply system. Additional generators can help to overcome these issues, but low reliability and maintenance efforts lead to high opex especially in case of gensets.
Hybrid approach with renewable generation and fuel cells are field-proven since more than one decade. Solar and wind charge the batteries, fuel cell steps in when ice and snow hampers generation during dark winter periods. Preferred fuels for remote off-grid sites include Propane, CNG and Methanol due to availability and easy transport.