Economic Applicability of Solar Tracking Photovoltaic Systems in Commercial Buildings: Case Study in South Korean Climate

Jaewan Joe (), Jinhyung Park, Heewon Choi, Yooseok Park, Jungwhan Oh and Younghoon Kwak
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Jaewan Joe: Department of Architectural Engineering, INHA University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
Jinhyung Park: Department of Smart City Engineering, INHA University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
Heewon Choi: Department of Architectural Engineering, INHA University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
Yooseok Park: Department of Architectural Engineering, INHA University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
Jungwhan Oh: Department of Architectural Engineering, INHA University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
Younghoon Kwak: Department of Architecture, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-13

Abstract: This study investigated the applicability of a tracking photovoltaic (PV) system installed in the roof area of a commercial building. Because PVWatts is the only PV module with a tracking feature in EnergyPlus, its electricity generation was validated through comparisons with detailed PV modules in EnergyPlus. The tracking PV system generated 26.8–35.5% more electricity annually than a fixed system in the climate of Incheon (S. Korea). The load coverage analysis of the tracking PV system was conducted with the reference commercial building model in EnergyPlus. Approximately 14% of the total building electric demand, including heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning; lighting; and equipment, was met by one PV array. Finally, the life cycle cost analysis of the tracking PV system was conducted by considering the net present value, which includes the initial installation and operation costs. The initial investment was returned after approximately 8 years, assuming between two and six tracking PV arrays were installed. Moreover, up to 26.8% cost savings were achieved in 15 years compared to the case without any PV arrays.

Keywords: solar tracking; PVWatts; reference office building; life cycle cost analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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