Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic System Research Articles

Techno-economic feasibility analysis of an on-grid IOT-based rooftop solar photovoltaic system for prosumers with a real-time implementation: a detailed case study and analysis using HOMER software

Techno-economic feasibility analysis of an on-grid IOT-based rooftop solar photovoltaic system for prosumers with a real-time implementation: a detailed case study and analysis using HOMER software

A Study on the Techno-Economics Feasibility of a 19.38 KWp Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic System at Al-Abrar Mosque, Saudi Arabia

This research paper presents a comprehensive study on the implementation of photovoltaic (PV) energy systems at Al-Abrar Mosque in Saudi Arabia. The primary objective was to explore optimal regional solar power strategies. By synergistically integrating technical evaluations of the PV system with economic analyses, including the payback period and levelized cost of energy (LCOE), alongside an investigation of net metering and net billing scenarios, we delineated a pathway toward achieving net zero billing for the mosque’s energy requirements. This study examined two scenarios: Scenario I involved net metering, while Scenario II explored net billing. Our theoretical and simulation results, derived from detailed analyses conducted using PVsyst software, unequivocally demonstrated the superiority of net metering for this specific application. With net metering, the mosque’s energy needs can be efficiently met using minimal infrastructure—comprising only 34 photovoltaic modules and a single inverter. In contrast, net billing requires significantly higher resource demands, underscoring the economic and spatial advantages of net metering. Additionally, the payback period for Scenario I is 7.9 years, while for Scenario II, it extends to 87 years. Through rigorous simulations, this study reaffirmed the practicality and feasibility of the net metering approach within the context of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, our research provides actionable insights for implementing sustainable solutions at specific sites, such as the Al-Abrar Mosque, and contributes to advancing renewable energy knowledge in the region.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Decarbonization Technologies: A Case Study of Residential Buildings in Zhuzhou City, China

Efficient carbon emission reduction technologies in buildings are necessary for achieving the “Dual carbon” goal in China. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation model is proposed to assess the effect of carbon emission reduction based on the analytic hierarchy process–entropy weight–coefficient of variation model which takes newly built residential buildings in Zhuzhou City as the research object. The results show that the preferred materials for the roof and exterior walls of the building’s envelope structure were flame-retardant extruded polystyrene boards, and porous shale bricks were preferred as the main materials for the exterior walls. In addition, the rooftop solar photovoltaic system and energy-saving air conditioning technology were suitable in terms of being renewable and were better utilized. In the end, carbon emissions were significantly reduced when using the building decarbonization technologies. This study provides a new reference for choosing materials and technologies for the design of residential buildings in Hunan Province and even other regions with hot summers and cold winters.

Achieving Carbon Mitigation with Economic Benefits through High-Resolution Analysis of Renewable Resource Integration in Global Coastal Cities.

Coastal regions, home to more than half of the global population and contributing over 50% to the global economy, possess vast renewable resources, such as seawater and solar energy. The effective utilization of these resources, through the seawater-cooled district cooling system (SWDCS), seawater toilet flushing (SWTF), and rooftop solar photovoltaic system (RTPV), has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions. However, implementing these technologies in different geographic contexts to achieve the desired carbon and economic outcomes at the city level lacks a clear roadmap. To address this challenge, we comprehensively analyzed 12 coastal megacities worldwide by integrating geospatial building data. Our study evaluated the potential energy savings, carbon mitigation, and levelized carbon abatement costs (LCACs) from a life cycle perspective. The results revealed that using seawater and solar energy within urban boundaries can reduce electricity consumption from 1 to 24% across these cities. The spatial distribution of the LCAC for seawater-based systems exhibited more variation compared to the RTPV. By applying specific LCAC thresholds ranging from 0 to 225 USD/tCO2e, all cities could achieve both carbon reductions and economic benefits. These thresholds resulted in up to 80 million tonnes of carbon emission reductions and 5 billion USD of economic benefits, respectively. Our study provides valuable insights into integrating renewable resource systems, enabling coastal cities to achieve carbon and economic advantages at the city scale simultaneously.

Modeling and analysis of rooftop solar photovoltaic system for educational institution in Malaysia

The education sector is one of the contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the education sector strongly supports the government’s aspirations to reduce carbon emissions. Energy consumption is related to the amount of carbon emission production—energy consumption information helps to forecast energy savings while creating carbon emission reduction. The research aims to propose a new modeling of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) by installing the Net Energy Metering (NEM) meter in the Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah (PSAS) educational institution's ring distribution system. The energy demand at PSAS in 2022 is 3,916,534 kWh/year, equivalent to an energy cost of RM 1,429,535. The new model design is based on setting 20% of the total power supply in PSAS generated by solar. A feasibility analysis on the proposed modification of the distribution layout design found that in the next four years, it is predicted that the minimum energy savings that PSAS will obtain are 2,075,763 kWh, while the annual bill savings are RM 757,654. This energy saving leads to a reduction in gas emissions where PSAS can reduce the production of 1,526,620 kg of CO2 to the environment while saving 38,165 mature trees from being cut down.

Feasibility study of rooftop solar photovoltaic system for 33/11 kV primary substation at Al Suwairah

<span>This article presents an overview of the technical and financial feasibility analysis of integrating a photovoltaic (PV) source with the conventional power system to supply the auxiliary load at the Al Suwairah 33/11 kV primary substation (PSS) in Suhar, Sultanate of Oman. This study estimates the required electrical energy for the primary substation's auxiliary load. A method is implemented to utilize the available area in the primary substation for determining the solar photovoltaic system's capacity. PVSyst software is employed to determine the ideal system capacity. The proposed solar PV system's payback period and overall annual savings have been evaluated using a series of simulated analyses. The proposed PV can inject 172.5 MWh/year with an average performance ratio of 0.826. The economic evaluation by the photovoltaic system (PVSyst) considering the present auxiliary load at the Al Suwarah PSS has suggested a total payback period of 8.9 years which is quite feasible. The cost of power generated by the proposed system is 49.2% less than the cost of power supplied from the utility service provider.</span>

Performance analysis indices for Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic system

Performance analysis indices for Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic system

Sustainable energy development through non‐residential rooftop solar photovoltaic adoption: Empirical evidence from India

AbstractEnvironmental deterioration and climate change are the key issues nowadays that hinder sustainable development, and the consumption of fossil fuel‐based energy sources significantly contributes to the issues. To achieve Sustainable Development Goal‐7 concerning sustainable and clean energy development, deploying non‐conventional energy sources is crucial. Solar energy is considered a significantly clean and sustainable energy source among renewable energy sources. Therefore, the present study attempted to investigate the key factors affecting the adoption of non‐residential Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (RSPV) systems in Chandigarh, India. The researchers used a descriptive research design to examine the current phenomena. The current study is premised on the perceptions of the users of the non‐residential RSPV system. The data was acquired through a self‐administered survey questionnaire. A complete response from 207 participants was used for analysis purposes. The researchers have used the Partial Least Square‐Structural Equation Modeling strategy to estimate measurement and structural models. The study found that nodal agencies and environmental organizations are crucial in disseminating information and motivations concerning RSPV adoption. The study revealed that the environmental concerns of the users, compatibility, environmental benefits, the immediacy of reward, and trialability were found to be significant drivers of the diffusion and adoption of non‐residential RSPV systems. The study concluded that a paucity of financial incentives and high upfront expenses had been significant blockades to the diffusion and adoption of non‐residential RSPV.

Design, Performance and Economic evaluation of a 4kW Grid-interactive Solar PV Rooftop in Odisha using Pvsyst

The global decline of fossil fuels has required the development of alternative energy sources to satisfy the electricity demand. This article assesses and inaugurated the viability of grid-interactive photovoltaic systems providing electricity to a residential load. Since the average solar irradiation in Odisha is 1156.39 W/m2, a 4-kW rooftop solar photovoltaic system can produce 17.8 kWh of electricity per day (5.5 sunshine hours). Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions are reduced by 113 tonnes for every 4 kWp produced, which is equal to planting 181 trees. This 4kW device is analyzed with a PVsyst (V7) program for a residential load consumption of kWh/day. The device consists of 16 photovoltaic modules, each with a 320 Wp value, that are arranged in two strings of eight modules each. The efficacy of the photovoltaic arrays, surplus energy pumped into the grid, usable AC energy, efficiency ratio, and various losses occurring in the photovoltaic system are all evaluated in the simulation outcome. The paper promotes using photovoltaic systems as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy source.

Design of Solar PV for K.K. Wagh Boy’s Hostel

Abstract: It is necessary to simulate and investigate the proper feasibility of Solar PV system at a given location. This study is done to evaluate the feasibility of grid connected rooftop solar photovoltaic system for a K.K. Wagh Institute of Engineering Education and Research, Nashik, India. This paper focuses on the aspects of the design involved in the setup of the system, not only just the design, but also the component such as installation, site evaluation of a given rooftop to the final cost analysis. This paper will give the average understanding of how a rooftop photovoltaic system is been processed.

F-LMS Adaptive Filter Based Control Algorithm With Power Management Strategy for Grid Integrated Rooftop SPV-BES System

The power quality performance of a grid-integrated rooftop solar photovoltaic (SPV) system is significantly affected by the local nonlinear loads. Further, during peak solar insolation and load demand, the SPV system experiences overvoltage and undervoltage at its point of interconnection. Both these issues infringe the IEEE std. 519 and 1547. Therefore, this paper presents a fractional least mean square (F-LMS) based control with the power management strategy (PMS) for the SPV-battery energy storage (BES) system. This presented control uses the SPV system's power converter to compensate load currents locally. By this means, the grid voltages and currents remain distortion-free. The introduced F-LMS algorithm is used as a pre-filter for load current. It estimates the load current fundamental component more accurately and swiftly than the existing LMS method. The designed PMS supervises the SPV array generation, BES power, and grid power to cater to both over and undervoltage issues and keeps the PIC voltage amplitude within the IEEE std. 1547 limits. In addition, this work enables the autonomous operation of SPV system during grid disruption, enhancing power resilience. The efficacy of the introduced work is experimentally verified.

Predictive control of low-temperature heating system with passive thermal mass energy storage and photovoltaic system: Impact of occupancy patterns and climate change

With the increasing energy prices and growing concerns over energy security, an accelerated transition to net zero carbon built environment has never been more important. Many studies have shown the capabilities of advanced control strategies such as model predictive control (MPC) to achieve energy efficiency, balance with thermal comfort and air quality. It has also shown its capability to provide demand flexibility, minimising peak load demands and maximising the production of renewable energy sources in buildings. This work investigates the potential of integrating price-responsive MPC with a low-temperature heating system and passive structural thermal energy storage (STES). Integration with a photovoltaic (PV) system is also explored. The system performance under future climate conditions is evaluated considering different design and operating conditions, including different thermal mass, occupancy patterns and internal heat gains, setpoint strategies and operation temperatures of the low-temperature heating system. The coupled model developed has been verified and validated with numerical and experimental data, and good agreement is observed. The results showed that mediumweight thermal mass and a medium-temperature (45 °C) under-floor heating inlet temperature provided a higher load shifting ability, based on a realistic occupancy profile for a residential building and a high tolerance setpoint strategy during unoccupied periods. The result also showed that higher low-price energy usage and lower heating energy usage could be achieved in future climate conditions. Finally, an increase in the load shifting ability was observed after the integration of rooftop solar PV system.

Modeling, Energy Performance and Economic Analysis of Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic System for Net Energy Metering Scheme in Malaysia

Energy is one of the essential inputs for modernization and social development. Energy demand is increasing, and the primary energy source is fossil fuels, which negatively impact the environment. Energy saving and renewables are the potential solutions which could minimize environmental impact. This paper investigates the energy-saving and solar photovoltaic energy potential of an educational institution, Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah (PSAS), Malaysia. The feasibility analysis was conducted by assuming that PSAS joined the Net Energy Metering (NEM 3.0) program, where PSAS, as a NEM consumer, has a tripartite supply agreement with renewable energy (SARE) with a distribution licensee known as Tenaga National Berhad (TNB). This paper focuses on zero capital expenditure (CAPEX) saving through a 20-year contract. This paper proposes a rooftop solar photovoltaic diagram using a NEM meter installed in the ring distribution system at PSAS. The estimated savings to be obtained by PSAS in the 20 years that the contract is in force are calculated based on the assumption that the installed solar system has a capacity of 688 kW. The maximum value of power generated by the system for a year is 990,720 kWh. The feasibility analysis found that the cumulative net savings estimate for PSAS based on the overall calculation for 21 years of solar use is RM 3,534,250. Meanwhile, the cumulative assessment of carbon emission reduction obtained in the same period is 14,559,760 kg CO2 or 14,559.76 tons of CO2, which would save 363,994 mature trees from being cut down.

Factors Affecting Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic System Adoption Intention: With Special Reference to Middle-Income Households in Kaduwela Municipal Council Area, Sri Lanka

The generation and supply of electricity is a prominent contemporary topic in Sri Lanka. Due to high dependency on non-renewable imported energy sources and due to various economic instabilities, a number of challenges have emerged leading to disruption of continuous electricity supply at affordable prices. Thus, it is high time to consider alternative renewable sources of energy and most specialists consider solar energy as one of the most promising technologies. Despite of benefits of solar energy and all the initiatives taken by different parties, Sri Lanka is still at a lower level of producing electricity using solar systems. This study aims to identify the factors affecting rooftop solar photovoltaic system adoption intention of middle-income households in Sri Lanka. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire targeting 75 middle-income residents in Kaduwela area selected using simple random sampling technique. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential analyses. The study findings revealed that both motivating factors and barriers make an impact on rooftop solar photovoltaic system adoption intention. However, situations prevail where not all components of those factors impact adoption intention similarly. The study findings lead to a better understanding of the complex relationships between motivating factors, barriers and rooftop solar photovoltaic system adoption. These insights may be used to evaluate motivating factors and barriers to find relevant interventions in encouraging motivating aspects more while mitigating the barriers, as immense number of benefits can be gained from rooftop solar photovoltaic systems to the country.

Quantitative impact assessment of temperature on the economics of a rooftop solar photovoltaic system.

This paper analyzes the economics of a grid-interactive rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system and the impact of the temperature on it. The analysis related to energy metrics, lifecycle costing, and environmental economics was performed considering the PV system's life as 30years. The system economics is also compared at different conditions like theoretical, temperature-corrected, and real electricity generation data. The parameters like energy payback time (EPBT), energy return on energy invested (EROI), and lifecycle conversion efficiency are determined as 5.95years, 5.04, and 0.078, respectively, based on actual generation. The unit electricity cost of the rooftop PV system was estimated as INR 5.37 at the 5% interest rate. The electricity cost varies with the interest rate variation and operation system life. The results show a reduction in overall economic performance on the increase in module temperature. The effect of temperature on the economics of the system is presented in terms of the per degree rise of module temperature. One degree increase of module temperature 8.5days in EPBT of the PV system increases, and INR 0.021 increases in the unit cost of electricity considering a reference temperature 25°C. A PV system has environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are also affected by the rise of module temperature. The system lost INR 355.93 in carbon credits at an increase of one-degree module temperature.

Performance Analysis of Different Type PV Module for 3kW Residential Roof Top PV System using PVSyst Simulation tool

The purpose of this article is to discuss a performance comparison of solar panel between mono crystalline, poly crystalline and HIT photovoltaic for roof top solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Residential PV power generation is a growing fast nowadays due to technology transfer success to everyone while also serving as a renewable energy source. Correct selection of PV modules possible to get a fast return of investment while wrong selection is vice versa. Three type of PV panel was applying in 3.12kW rooftop PV design in Selangor, Malaysia residential this work for comparison analysis. To make a fair comparison, the PV module analyse with same location, weather, orientation and losses. Simulation was performed fully under PVSyst software and looking at performance ratio system, a yearly balanced, effective output energy, daily output generation, system output generation, and yearly system losses. In this article the performance of three different types of PV panels is demonstrated. The HIT PV module shows the highest yearly performance ratio up to 81 % compare to mono and poly type. The normalized production with standardized variable to evaluate the PV output including collection losses, device losses and energy generated show the HIT type produces lowest losses while highest output. The performance of HIT PV module was good compared to PV module mono and poly type; this is due to the lower losses and high output produce significantly. The PV system’s payback period can be shortened, and the PV system can perform better, if the PV panels are more efficient.

Evolution of Novel Process for Smart Inverter for High Penetration of Rooftop Solar Energy in Power Utility With Secondary Distribution Network – A Review

With the critical change of Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Energy System (RSPES) between the two different Renewable Energy Systems, the real problems, impacts and a few working qualities of the housetop sunlight based PVs with Low Power Utility Network Distribution System (DS) are currently to be examined and explored throught out the worldwide. The most vital target of review looks into about the load flow in LV Networks and searches a way for implementing high penetration PV network. The study papers discuss the implementation of the Smart Inverter-coordinated secondary distribution system with the proximity of distribution generation (DG) units. This paper reviews based on the methods which are utilized to tackle the issues and improvement of performance in the rooftop solar photovoltaic energy system in the period between 2014 to 2017.

Optimization of rooftop photovoltaic installations to maximize revenue in Finland based on customer class load profiles and simulated generation

The profitability of a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system depends on several factors, such as the retail price of electricity, the load profile of the building, and orientation of the solar PV modules. If there are consumption peaks in the morning, evening, or both, the solar PV modules can be oriented eastward, westward, or east–west, respectively, in order to increase self-consumption. However, the market price of electricity varies, which makes it challenging to evaluate the revenue of a solar PV system in advance.In this study, solar PV module orientation is considered based on profitability. The study uses hourly data of 13 different statistical customer class load profiles, historical electricity market price data for the years 2016–2020, and simulated solar PV yield from southern Finland. A comparison is made between single-azimuth and dual-azimuth systems, the latter of which having the orientation of half of the modules mirrored respective to the north–south axis.A single-azimuth system is usually more profitable when compensation is paid for surplus electricity. The optimal orientations are at azimuth angles of −15°–5° and at tilt angles of 35°–45° with both fixed and dynamic electricity purchase prices. However, if no compensation is paid for surplus electricity, it is usually more profitable to minimize the electricity purchase by orienting the solar PV modules in two azimuths between east and west with tilt angles of 10°–55° depending on the capacity of the solar PV system and the load profile. The revenue is not very sensitive to moderate changes in orientation.

The impact of shadow covering on the rooftop solar photovoltaic system for evaluating self-sufficiency rate in the concept of nearly zero energy building

In cities seeking energy self-sufficiency, one of the trends is to pursue nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB). To achieve this target, reducing energy consumption as well as replacing the traditional energy by renewable energy are two major strategies. The former is limited by the difficulty in lowering energy consumption in daily life, so the latter has more potential. Solar photovoltaic systems are a popular means to reach the goal of self-sufficiency in cities, and those on rooftops have the highest efficiency. Shadow from surrounding buildings affects the energy generation but this research found that the impact of shadow is generally limited. Only buildings of less than 3 storeys might suffer serious shadow covering and those higher than this mainly reduce their productivity by only about 1%. However, although lower buildings experience shadow effects, they are the main energy generators due to their low energy self-consumption. For example, the energy shortage of the tallest building in this case study could be covered by a 1-storey building with 10.33 times area. This research indicated that a fully energy self-sufficient environment can be achieved when the city pattern is designed with consideration of a well-balanced building height arrangement.

Study of the Effect of the Energy Produced From a Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar PV System for Small Households

In recent years, a great popularization of the production of electricity from photovoltaic systems has been observed, which gives hope for reducing environmental pollution and tackling the shortage of natural resources used for electricity generation. This article will focus on studying the effect of energy produced by a grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic system for small households.