## 4 Discussion  
The optimization results of the hybrid energy system indicate a cost-effective configuration that is specifically adapted to the environmental conditions and operational  
Figure 8: Sensitivity analysis of the system parameters. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c} \hline \hline
**Number of PV Panels** & **Area (m\({}^{2}\))** & **Energy Produced (kWh)** & **Cost (5)** \\ \hline
60 & 96 & 14.4 & 9671.40 \\
80 & 128 & 19.2 & 12,895.20 \\
100 & 160 & 24.0 & 16,119.00 \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 3: System metric variation with respect to panel count. constraints of the study area. A detailed analysis of the results reveals that the algorithm consistently favors the exclusive use of photovoltaic (PV) panels, a choice primarily driven by the region's favorable solar irradiance and climatic characteristics. The area, which is not exposed to high wind speeds, limits the effectiveness of wind turbines. This justifies their exclusion from the optimal solution. PV panels, on the other hand, are well suited for the region due to the availability of solar energy, making them a more reliable and cost-effective choice. The solution demonstrates scalability as additional PV panels could easily be added to meet higher energy demands in the future. The modularity of PV systems makes them adaptable to changing requirements, a crucial factor in agricultural applications where energy demands might fluctuate. The precise match between the energy production (24 kWh) and the minimum requirement reflects the robustness of the optimization algorithm. This alignment ensures that the system is neither over-designed (leading to unnecessary costs) nor under-designed (leading to energy shortfalls). * Cost vs. Performance Trade-off: The decision to exclude wind turbines highlights a critical trade-off. * Cost Savings: Avoiding wind turbines reduces upfront capital expenditure by 1492.54 $ per turbine and simplifies system maintenance.  
The total cost of 16,119.40 $ is a reasonable investment for agricultural irrigation systems in regions like northern Algeria, where agriculture forms a significant part of the economy. The solution is not only feasible, but also ensures a return on investment through reliable energy production, which is essential for uninterrupted irrigation. Technical Viability Criteria for the Proposed Configuration  
To ensure the proposed system is technically viable, we defined and validated the configuration based on the following key performance metrics. * Energy Match Criterion: The total energy production (24 kWh/day) exactly met the irrigation demand. This was verified using component-specific generation data (24 kWh per PV panel), ensuring that no excess or deficit could compromise system operation or inflate costs. * Component Utilization Efficiency: The design uses 100 PV panels, achieving close to maximum daily generation under average solar irradiance. The elimination of wind turbines was technically justified by the site's low wind potential, minimizing underutilized components. * Cost-to-Performance Ratio: The selected configuration provided the lowest total cost (16,119.40 $) that satisfies energy demand without reliance on costly battery storage. The system achieves a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) that is competitive with the grid-subsidized electricity in the region, further supporting economic viability. * Storage Substitution Feasibility: Instead of batteries, a water reservoir stores potential energy. This design decision is technically sound as gravitational flow can reliably power the irrigation system without introducing the conversion losses that are typically found in battery-based systems. * Environmental Suitability: Based on meteorological data and local resource assessment, solar energy was identified as the dominant viable source. The configuration aligns with seasonal solar availability and matches crop water needs during peak sun months.