Model and feasibility Analysis: Photovoltaic generation systems installed at Brazilian public universities for energy sustainability

Author(s)

Silva, Patricia F. ; Bonatto, Benedito D. ; Val, Victor E. M. ; Miranda, Rafael C. ; Costa, Vinicius B. F.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS; v. 63, p. 9-pg., 2024-02-02.

Abstract

This study stochastically organized a business model to promote public investment in photovoltaic systems using Distributed Generation at Federal Institutions of Higher Education. The feasibility of electricity generation at the load source, considering the university's load characteristics, and the feasibility of remote self -consumption, according to the university's concession area, were analyzed in this study to determine the risks and uncertainty levels for each case, and to establish a method for making investment decisions. The analysis was performed using Monte Carlo simulations. Since alternative energy projects compete with each other within the same time horizon, the alternatives are mutually exclusive, and therefore, only one will be chosen. Net Present Value, the Annual Revenue, the Return on Investment, and the Discounted Payback were used as analysis indicators. The results show that installed photovoltaic systems, in both scenarios, were feasible; however, since only one project will be chosen, installing a photovoltaic systems at each university campus is a better option. The current study is expected to shed light on the economic feasibility of photovoltaic systems at Brazilian universities, thus contributing to their deployment and enhancing energy sustainability. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/11380-5 - CPTEn - São Paulo Center for the Study of Energy Transition
• Grantee: Luiz Carlos Pereira da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Science Centers for Development