Photovoltaics for reaching net-zero energy standard in educational buildings

Abstract

Buildings should become energy-neutral to reducepressure on the planet's resources and the atmosphere. Then cities must be energized with in-site renewables integrated to reach low-impact sustainable cities. This research project is an initial step to figuring out the feasibility of reaching the Net Zero Energy condition in the Architecture Department buildings of the University of Cuenca, as a case sample of higher-educational facilities located next to the equator and on the highlands of the Andes mountains range. In this research we had just determined the photovoltaic (PV) potential to reach the actual energy requirement as an initial step, to do so, we had virtually constructed the building facilities and obtained the building energy requirements, considering full power requirements measured before the COVID restrictions. As the main results, we determined, that 88,6 % of the 2019 energy requirements could be solved with solar PV considering roof availability and architectural restrictions. The financial analysis also reveals that it is a profitable strategy. Next research will determine that comfort levels are adequate to foresee the total requirements to reach the NZEB standard