Integrated Potential for Wind and Solar Energy in the Context of Sustainable Development of the Coastal Regions of Bulgaria

This study presents a comparative analysis of the potential for combined use of wind and solar energy in nine key coastal settlements on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast—Shabla, Balchik, Varna, Byala, Obzor, Nesebar, Burgas, Primorsko, and Tsarevo—selected for their diverse geographical and meteorological characteristics. The study evaluates the feasibility of implementing hybrid renewable energy systems by analyzing the average annual solar radiation and wind velocity for each location. A methodology based on physical and technical parameters is applied to determine the required installed capacity of photovoltaic systems to meet the average annual household electricity consumption of 6000 kWh. Concurrently, wind energy potential is assessed through theoretical and practical models using two turbine sizes (3 m and 6 m in diameter), which represent small-scale residential wind applications.