IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v13y2020i10p2659-d362798.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Photovoltaic Solar Systems in Multi-Headquarter Institutions: A Technical Implementation in Northeastern Brazil

Author

Listed:
  • Hélio Henrique Cunha Pinheiro

    (Energy Planning Program (PPE/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-914, Brazil
    Institute of Education Science and Technology (IFRN), Natal 59015-000, Brazil)

  • Neilton Fidélis da Silva

    (Energy Planning Program (PPE/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-914, Brazil
    Institute of Education Science and Technology (IFRN), Natal 59015-000, Brazil
    International Virtual Institute of Global Changes, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil)

  • David Alves Castelo Branco

    (Energy Planning Program (PPE/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-914, Brazil)

  • Márcio Giannini Pereira

    (Electrical Power Research Center (CEPEL), Rio de Janeiro 21944-970, Brazil)

Abstract

The use of photovoltaic solar technology is increasingly widespread and consolidated worldwide, gaining significant interest in Brazil. Thanks to records of gradual photovoltaic system price decreases and the construction of legal frameworks favorable to their diffusion, urban and rural residential consumers, service companies, industries, and the government are progressively adhering to the use of this technology. In this context, it is important that institutions and companies with multiheadquarters discern whether it is more advantageous, from both a technical and economic point of view, to disperse photovoltaic systems throughout all of their headquarters or to centralize them in the offices presenting the best energy efficiency. The present study aims at answering this question. To this end, indicators recorded in the Institute of Education Science and Technology (IFRN)-Solar Project implemented by the Rio Grande do Norte Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, in Brazil, where 2 MWp of photovoltaic solar energy are installed in 19 of its 22 headquarters, were evaluated. The PVWatts Software, energy measurements at the different plant installation locations and technical performance parameters recurrent in the literature, as well as the Discounted Payback Method were used herein. The results indicate that system centralization in the best-evaluated sites (7 campi) will, in 25 years, provide a 9.07% energy supply gain, a 112.96% financial gain, and a payback reduction of 8.9 years when compared to the alternative comprising generation unit dispersion throughout the 19 campi .

Suggested Citation

  • Hélio Henrique Cunha Pinheiro & Neilton Fidélis da Silva & David Alves Castelo Branco & Márcio Giannini Pereira, 2020. "Photovoltaic Solar Systems in Multi-Headquarter Institutions: A Technical Implementation in Northeastern Brazil," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-28, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:10:p:2659-:d:362798
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/10/2659/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/10/2659/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gabriel Constantino & Marcos Freitas & Neilton Fidelis & Marcio Giannini Pereira, 2018. "Adoption of Photovoltaic Systems Along a Sure Path: A Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) Study Applied to the Analysis of GHG Emission Impacts," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-28, October.
    2. Roberts, Justo José & Mendiburu Zevallos, Andrés A. & Cassula, Agnelo Marotta, 2017. "Assessment of photovoltaic performance models for system simulation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 1104-1123.
    3. Hammad, Bashar & Al-Sardeah, Ali & Al-Abed, Mohammad & Nijmeh, Salem & Al-Ghandoor, Ahmed, 2017. "Performance and economic comparison of fixed and tracking photovoltaic systems in Jordan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 827-839.
    4. Ferreira, Agmar & Kunh, Sheila S. & Fagnani, Kátia C. & De Souza, Tiago A. & Tonezer, Camila & Dos Santos, Geocris Rodrigues & Coimbra-Araújo, Carlos H., 2018. "Economic overview of the use and production of photovoltaic solar energy in brazil," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 181-191.
    5. Ramírez-Sagner, Gonzalo & Mata-Torres, Carlos & Pino, Alan & Escobar, Rodrigo A., 2017. "Economic feasibility of residential and commercial PV technology: The Chilean case," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 332-343.
    6. Dušan Kudelas & Marcela Taušová & Peter Tauš & Ľubomíra Gabániová & Ján Koščo, 2019. "Investigation of Operating Parameters and Degradation of Photovoltaic Panels in a Photovoltaic Power Plant," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-15, September.
    7. Li, Tianqi & Roskilly, Anthony Paul & Wang, Yaodong, 2018. "Life cycle sustainability assessment of grid-connected photovoltaic power generation: A case study of Northeast England," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 227(C), pages 465-479.
    8. Varaha Satya Bharath Kurukuru & Frede Blaabjerg & Mohammed Ali Khan & Ahteshamul Haque, 2020. "A Novel Fault Classification Approach for Photovoltaic Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-17, January.
    9. Zhao, Xingang & Zeng, Yiping & Zhao, Di, 2015. "Distributed solar photovoltaics in China: Policies and economic performance," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 572-583.
    10. Karni Siraganyan & Amarasinghage Tharindu Dasun Perera & Jean-Louis Scartezzini & Dasaraden Mauree, 2019. "Eco-Sim: A Parametric Tool to Evaluate the Environmental and Economic Feasibility of Decentralized Energy Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-22, February.
    11. Miguel Centeno Brito & Paula Redweik & Cristina Catita & Sara Freitas & Miguel Santos, 2019. "3D Solar Potential in the Urban Environment: A Case Study in Lisbon," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-13, September.
    12. Maurisete Fernando Ferreira & Marcos Aurélio Vasconcelos Freitas & Neilton Fidelis da Silva & Antonia Francimar da Silva & Luciana Rocha Leal da Paz, 2020. "Insertion of Photovoltaic Solar Systems in Technological Education Institutions in Brazil: Teacher Perceptions Concerning Contributions towards Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-23, February.
    13. Primož Mavsar & Klemen Sredenšek & Bojan Štumberger & Miralem Hadžiselimović & Sebastijan Seme, 2019. "Simplified Method for Analyzing the Availability of Rooftop Photovoltaic Potential," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-17, November.
    14. Bradshaw, Amanda, 2017. "Regulatory change and innovation in Latin America: The case of renewable energy in Brazil," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 156-164.
    15. Washburn, C. & Pablo-Romero, M., 2019. "Measures to promote renewable energies for electricity generation in Latin American countries," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 212-222.
    16. Dias, César Luiz de Azevedo & Castelo Branco, David Alves & Arouca, Maurício Cardoso & Loureiro Legey, Luiz Fernando, 2017. "Performance estimation of photovoltaic technologies in Brazil," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 114(PB), pages 367-375.
    17. Tomosk, Steve & Haysom, Joan E. & Wright, David, 2017. "Quantifying economic risk in photovoltaic power projects," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 422-433.
    18. Rüther, Ricardo & Zilles, Roberto, 2011. "Making the case for grid-connected photovoltaics in Brazil," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(3), pages 1027-1030, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Jean Carlos da Silva Galdino & Marcos Aurélio Vasconcelos Freitas & Neilton Fidelis da Silva & Marcio Giannini Pereira & João Marcelo Dias Ferreira, 2020. "Creating the Path for Sustainability: Inserting Solar PV in São Francisco Transposition Project," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-27, October.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Rômulo de Oliveira Azevêdo & Paulo Rotela Junior & Luiz Célio Souza Rocha & Gianfranco Chicco & Giancarlo Aquila & Rogério Santana Peruchi, 2020. "Identification and Analysis of Impact Factors on the Economic Feasibility of Photovoltaic Energy Investments," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-40, September.
    2. Vargas Gil, Gloria Milena & Bittencourt Aguiar Cunha, Rafael & Giuseppe Di Santo, Silvio & Machado Monaro, Renato & Fragoso Costa, Fabiano & Sguarezi Filho, Alfeu J., 2020. "Photovoltaic energy in South America: Current state and grid regulation for large-scale and distributed photovoltaic systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 1307-1320.
    3. Pinheiro, E. & Bandeiras, F. & Gomes, M. & Coelho, P. & Fernandes, J., 2019. "Performance analysis of wind generators and PV systems in industrial small-scale applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 392-401.
    4. Giovanni Cipriani & Antonino D’Amico & Stefania Guarino & Donatella Manno & Marzia Traverso & Vincenzo Di Dio, 2020. "Convolutional Neural Network for Dust and Hotspot Classification in PV Modules," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-17, December.
    5. Silva, Nuno & Fuinhas, José Alberto & Koengkan, Matheus, 2021. "Assessing the advancement of new renewable energy sources in Latin American and Caribbean countries," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 237(C).
    6. Sebastian Krapf & Nils Kemmerzell & Syed Khawaja Haseeb Uddin & Manuel Hack Vázquez & Fabian Netzler & Markus Lienkamp, 2021. "Towards Scalable Economic Photovoltaic Potential Analysis Using Aerial Images and Deep Learning," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-22, June.
    7. Guillermo Valencia Ochoa & Jose Nunez Alvarez & Carlos Acevedo, 2019. "Research Evolution on Renewable Energies Resources from 2007 to 2017: A Comparative Study on Solar, Geothermal, Wind and Biomass Energy," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 9(6), pages 242-253.
    8. Xin-gang, Zhao & Yi-min, Xie, 2019. "The economic performance of industrial and commercial rooftop photovoltaic in China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
    9. Felipe Moraes do Nascimento & Julio Cezar Mairesse Siluk & Fernando de Souza Savian & Taís Bisognin Garlet & José Renes Pinheiro & Carlos Ramos, 2020. "Factors for Measuring Photovoltaic Adoption from the Perspective of Operators," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-29, April.
    10. José de Castro Vieira, Samuel & Tapia Carpio, Lucio Guido, 2020. "The economic impact on residential fees associated with the expansion of grid-connected solar photovoltaic generators in Brazil," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 1084-1098.
    11. Jiehui Yuan & Wenli Yuan & Juan Yuan & Zhihong Liu & Jia Liao & Xunmin Ou, 2023. "Policy Recommendations for Distributed Solar PV Aiming for a Carbon-Neutral Future," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-16, February.
    12. Alaaeddin, M.H. & Sapuan, S.M. & Zuhri, M.Y.M. & Zainudin, E.S. & AL- Oqla, Faris M., 2019. "Photovoltaic applications: Status and manufacturing prospects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 318-332.
    13. Garlet, Taís Bisognin & Ribeiro, José Luis Duarte & de Souza Savian, Fernando & Mairesse Siluk, Julio Cezar, 2019. "Paths and barriers to the diffusion of distributed generation of photovoltaic energy in southern Brazil," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 157-169.
    14. Trigo-González, Mauricio & Batlles, F.J. & Alonso-Montesinos, Joaquín & Ferrada, Pablo & del Sagrado, J. & Martínez-Durbán, M. & Cortés, Marcelo & Portillo, Carlos & Marzo, Aitor, 2019. "Hourly PV production estimation by means of an exportable multiple linear regression model," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 135(C), pages 303-312.
    15. -, 2023. "Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2023," La Inversión Extranjera Directa en América Latina y el Caribe, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), number 48979 edited by Eclac, May.
    16. Wang, Zhengchao & Perera, A.T.D., 2020. "Integrated platform to design robust energy internet," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 269(C).
    17. Zhang, Zumeng & Ding, Liping & Wang, Chaofan & Dai, Qiyao & Shi, Yin & Zhao, Yujia & Zhu, Yuxuan, 2022. "Do operation and maintenance contracts help photovoltaic poverty alleviation power stations perform better?," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 259(C).
    18. Bertolini, Marina & D'Alpaos, Chiara & Moretto, Michele, 2018. "Do Smart Grids boost investments in domestic PV plants? Evidence from the Italian electricity market," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 890-902.
    19. Du, Hua & Han, Qi & de Vries, Bauke & Sun, Jun, 2024. "Community solar PV adoption in residential apartment buildings: A case study on influencing factors and incentive measures in Wuhan," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 354(PA).
    20. Haicheng Jia & Ling Liang & Jiqing Xie & Jianyun Zhang, 2022. "Environmental Effects of Technological Improvements in Polysilicon Photovoltaic Systems in China—A Life Cycle Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-18, July.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:10:p:2659-:d:362798. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.