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Energy is a crucial element for prosperity and improving the standard of living. Fossil fuels are not an everlasting source of energy. However, the sun is the only eternally sustainable source of energy. In this the present study, feasibility and reliability analyses of a PV grid-connected system are conducted in Mediterranean climate. MATLAB is used to model the energy system and examine its technical and economic performances. Life Cycle Cost (LCC) and Payback Period (PbP) criterion are also used to determine the optimum system design. The present study shows that incorporating an optimum system of solar PV with a grid system (oriented at 26° from the horizontal) is feasible in Mediterranean region. It can reduce 6,075 kWh (83.7%) from the annual electricity bill. Moreover, LCC over a 30-year period is found to be US$ 19,524 while the PbP for the initial investment is 5.88 years. Furthermore, carbon dioxide emissions, associated with thermal power plants generated electricity, are expected to reduce by about 3.6 Tons annually. Thus, to move toward energy independence and energy security, favorable policies and incentives should be set to accelerate the use of such energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Thermal, environment and economic impact of Trombe wall system for residential building in Mediterranean region will be studied in this paper. Moreover, optimum size of this system will be determined by using Life Cycle Cost (LCC) criterion. This will lead to develop an approach for designing the most economic residential building in Mediterranean region. Hour-by-hour energy computer simulations were run with TRNSYS program to analyze the performance of Trombe wall. Then, a complete economical equations of LCC have been built and optimized for variable Trombe wall area ratio as a function of economic and thermal parameters. The optimum Trombe wall area ratio from thermal and economical point of view is 37%. This optimum ratio has reduced LCC by 2.4%. Moreover, about 445kg CO2 will be reduced annually. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Jordan heavily relies on imported oil and gas for meeting its energy need as the same time the construction sector consumed more than half of the total electricity consumption in Jordan in 2008. In order to provide the occupants with thermal comfort at least cost, applying energy saving measures into early design stage can be significant to achieve this goal. This paper discusses an assessment of best orientation of the building, windows size, thermal insulation thickness from energetic, economic and environmental point of view for typical residential building located in Mediterranean region. The results show that about 27.59% of annual energy consumption can be saved by choosing best orientation, optimum size of windows and shading device, and optimum insulation thickness. The Life Cycle Cost (LCC) is reduced by 11.94%. The specific energy consumption per square meter is 64kWh/m2 a. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]