A Technical-Economical Analysis of the Implementation of Hybrid Solar Energy Systems in Small Energy Prosumer Applications.

In the current global context of climate change and environmental pollution, the development of renewable energy sources is essential. One of the most abundant sources, with promising potential for sustainable development, is the solar energy. Conventionally, solar collectors can be used for separate production of electrical and thermal energy in individual equipments. In order to increase the energy efficiency, the competitiveness of the energy production solutions and to improve the solar energy conversion rate, photovoltaic micro-cogeneration (PVT) systems have been developed. PVT systems can simultaneously generate both electricity and heat, and are particularly beneficial in limited spaces as they increase the share of energy extraction per square meter and lead to increased energy efficiency of photovoltaic cells by avoiding overheating. This paper produces a technical and economical comparative analysis various equivalent configurations of solar energy systems for a prosumer with a small annual energy consumption (6kWh / year) in various subsidy scenarios. The results indicate the benefits of traditional PV panels due to reduced costs compared to novel PVT panels in the absence of a bonus subsidy scheme. On the other hand, if there is the possibility of injecting into the grid the excess electricity for fixed tariff, the investment in PVT, although currently high, becomes justified, and the profitability increases by 50% compared to PV. Finally, a summary of the positive and negative aspects related to the PVT technology was made, in the form of a SWOT analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]