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We develop a simulation-based meta-heuristic approach that determines the optimal size of a hybrid renewable energy system for residential buildings. This multi-objective optimization problem requires the advancement of a dynamic multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm that maximizes the renewable energy ratio of buildings and minimizes total net present cost and CO₂ emission for required system changes. Three proven performance metrics evaluate the quality of the Pareto front generated by the proposed approach. The obtained results are compared against two reported multi-objective optimization algorithms in the related literature. Finally, an existing residential apartment located in a cold Canadian climate provides a test case to apply the proposed model and optimally size a hybrid renewable energy system. In this test application, the model investigates the potential use of a heat pump, a …