METHOD FOR THE ANALYSIS OF TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF GRID-CONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATED ON BUILDING FACADES

摘要

Photovoltaic (PV) energy systems can be better integrated onto buildings, respecting the original architecture or even being considered during the design of a new building. The challenge for designers is to create a compromise between the architecture of the building and the function of generating energy in those buildings. Besides these technical issues, it is important that the projects take into account a study of the economic aspects, since the determination of the value of goods is as relevant as their physical production. This paper defines a method to select appropriated building facades for the integration of grid-connected PV systems, on the campus of a Brazilian public University. In order to be accepted, the facade PV systems must have a positive impact on the buildings' architecture on top of generating energy. In addition, PV systems on buildings should be economic feasible, with a positive Net Present Value (NPV), an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) higher than 3.0% per year and a payback period shorter than the PV systems' lifetime.