Unlike prior studies, this work distinctively focuses on annual energy management and long-term system dependability by utilizing hydrogen storage as a long-duration energy buffer for essential government loads in Algeria's semi-arid climate, characterized by limited grid availability. Seasonal performance behavior is evaluated and compared to existing hybrid battery-based systems used in North Africa. HOMER Pro and a load-following (LF) dispatch strategy were used to test three hybrid power system configurations: (i) PV + Fuel Cell + Grid, (ii) PV + Fuel Cell + Grid + Hydrogen Tank, and (iii) PV + Grid. The study compares several key performance metrics, including levelized cost of energy (LCOE), net present cost (NPC), return on investment (ROI), payback period (PBP), and the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by a certain amount each year. The main goal is to assess the most technically dependable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable configuration under real operating circumstances. The results indicate that the PV/FC/Grid configuration achieves the most balanced performance, with an NPC of $163.04 million, a payback period of 5.48 years, an ROI of 13.3%, and an annual CO2 reduction of 28,470.76 tons. The integration of hydrogen storage marginally enhances system resilience, with limited economic improvement (NPC of $162.98 million). In contrast, the PV/Grid system offers a lower capital cost (NPC of $138.39 million) but demonstrates reduced economic returns and environmental benefits. Notably, negative LCOE values are observed across all configurations, which are attributed to substantial revenue from electricity export under favorable grid tariff assumptions. These results indicate a net-revenue condition rather than negative generation costs and are highly sensitive to pricing policies. The findings emphasize the strong potential of PV/FC-based hybrid systems for sustainable, reliable, and low-carbon energy supply in solar-rich, grid-constrained regions, while emphasizing the critical role of tariff structures in determining economic feasibility.