The urgent global demand for sustainable energy solutions is underscored by the dual challenges of ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy (SDG7) and addressing climate change (SDG13). Traditional fossil-fuel-based energy systems have contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate-related risks and hindering sustainable development, especially in vulnerable and underserved regions. In this context, renewable energy technologies such as solar, and wind offer viable pathways to reduce emissions, enhance energy access, and stimulate socio-economic development. However, the mere deployment of renewable technologies is not sufficient. Innovation in system design, performance optimization, and economic feasibility is essential to maximize the impact of renewable energy systems. Particularly in rural and remote areas where centralized grids are often unfeasible, off-grid renewable energy solutions can provide transformative benefits. Such systems must be both technically sound and economically viable, requiring integrated assessments that consider performance, cost, and long-term sustainability.

This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge research and technological advances that contribute to the development of innovative and optimized renewable energy systems with a focus on rural and off-grid applications. The Research Topic is dedicated to exploring how intelligent design, optimization methodologies, and techno-economic evaluations can drive the deployment of renewable energy solutions that support SDG7 and SDG13.

By publishing high-quality research, this collection seeks to deepen the understanding of renewable energy systems' capabilities in enhancing energy access while mitigating climate change impacts. Furthermore, it will provide a platform for sharing practical insights, analytical models, and performance data that can inform policy, investment, and future research.

The scope of this Research Topic is both focused and specialized, targeting the following key areas:

Innovative Design and Optimization of Renewable Energy Systems
- Novel system architectures for hybrid renewable energy setups (e.g., solar-wind, solar-biomass).
- Advanced optimization techniques including AI-based and algorithmic approaches for energy management and load balancing.
- Smart integration of storage solutions, control systems, and demand-side management in renewable energy configurations.
- Simulation and modeling tools for performance forecasting and system reliability.

Techno-Economic Analysis and Performance Evaluation of Off-Grid Systems
- Cost-benefit analysis and lifecycle cost assessments of standalone and hybrid off-grid renewable energy systems.
- Performance metrics and empirical data from field-deployed off-grid systems in rural and remote contexts.
- Sensitivity analysis considering policy, financing models, and resource availability.
- Feasibility studies integrating technical performance with economic, environmental, and social factors.

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Renewable Energy System Solutions for Sustainable Growth (SDG7) and Climate Change (SDG13)