The integration of photovoltaic panels system in net-zero energy buildings under Mediterranean climate

Abstract

From an ecological perspective, sustainability alternatives require, on the one hand, the reduction ofenergy consumption and, on the other hand, taking advantage of so-called renewable primary energiessuch as: solar, wind, hydraulic, geothermal energy., biomass, etc. Among these so-called clean energyresources, solar energy is available at all levels of the earth. Through this study, we will try to highlight the importance and effectiveness of solar energy as arelevant alternative to integrate into the net zero energy architectural design process that aims to use solar energy to power the energy needs of a building while ensuring that the latter only consumes the energy it produces. The goal is to minimize dependence on external energy sources and maximize the use of renewable energy sources to obtain a self-sufficient, net-zero energy building. The aim of this research is firstly to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating these systems, and secondly to evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of using them. This paper carried out an experimental study on the integration of a photovoltaic system within a cultural centre. The objective is to study the impact of this installation on the building's annual energy consumption, and the possibility of making the building a zero-energy building by installing a photovoltaic system. This was done using Retscreen clean energy awareness software. According to the results, the photovoltaic system integrated into the project generates 961,847.20 kWh of electricity per year, covering 74.33% of the building's annual electricity consumption. This reduces the annual electricity bill by 25%