Environmental and economic analysis of harnessing solar energy in building: the case photovoltaic car park in Jijel

Abstract

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) represent a key solution for energy transition and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. This study investigates the environmental and economic impacts associated with the implementation of a grid-connected rooftop BIPV system, with a focus on assessing the sustainability of a photovoltaic installation integrated into an automated parking in Jijel, Algeria. The proposed PV system has a total capacity of 502 kWp, determined through simulation conducted using the PVsyst software. The annual electricity production of the system was found to be sufficient to fully meet the energy demand of the parking, which is estimated at 936,519.92 kWh/year, using only 53% of the building’s available rooftop area. Furthermore, the embodied energy for the entire system over its expected lifespan was calculated as 3,184,496 kWh. This resulted in an Energy Payback Time of 3.4 years and a Greenhouse Gas Payback time of 1.9 years, highlighting the system’s environmental efficiency. From an economic perspective, The study also explores the potential of utilizing an additional 47% (with capacity 390 kWp) of the remaining rooftop area to generate electricity for sel to Sonelgaz, it has an estimated annual revenue of 14,658,50 $. Additionally, the cost of electricity consumed by the parking when supplied by Sonelgaz to approximately 28,114.26 $ per year. Therefore, the integration of the PV system could result in total annual savings of approximately 37,585.90 $. It is worth noting that the payback period is approximately 8.2 years. These results strongly support the adoption of clean energy technologies, particularly in regions with low energy tariffs.