Life cycle assessment of photovoltaic systems of various sizes: An environmental and economic perspective on an educational building in a hot climate

Abstract

The swift adoption of photovoltaic systems in buildings is driven by the need for sustainable energy solutions and decarbonization goals. This study assesses a faculty building’s energy usage, potential energy yield, life cycle costs, and carbon emissions. Key factors such as building characteristics, operational schedules, and load profiles were analyzed using DesignBuilder. Photovoltaic system modeling with PVsyst explored various ground cover ratios (GCR). Life cycle cost analysis highlighted the economic advantages of photovoltaic systems, while carbon payback periods measured emission reductions. Results indicate that higher GCRs enhance energy production and revenue from grid sales. Performance ratio values varied between 77% and 79%, and the specific production rate ranged from 1630 to 1672 kWh/kWp. Although initial investment is high, increasing GCR reduces life cycle costs and shortens payback periods. Payback period was found to be 6.5 years, and the building achieves carbon neutrality within the first year. This methodology can be adapted for various building types and climates, supporting the broader goal of zero energy buildings and carbon emission reduction.