School Start Times for Solar Alignment: Evaluating the Benefits of Schedule Optimisation for Peak and Cost Reduction

Terhemba Michael-Ahile (), Jason Avron Samuels and Marthinus Johannes Booysen
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Terhemba Michael-Ahile: Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South Africa
Jason Avron Samuels: Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South Africa
Marthinus Johannes Booysen: Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South Africa

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 23, 1-20

Abstract: The global push towards sustainable energy usage and the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, requires innovative approaches to energy management, particularly in energy-intensive sectors such as education. This study proposes a change in school start time from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. to align operational hours with periods of off-peak electricity demand and maximum solar availability. Four scenarios are compared: baseline (current schedule without solar), shifted schedule without solar, baseline with solar, and shifted schedule with solar integration. The analysis reveals that shifting the school’s operational hours alone leads to a peak demand reduction of 40%, mitigating strain on the grid during high-demand periods. Solar integration without schedule has a less pronounced effect on peak demand (26%). The combination of schedule shifting and solar integration delivers the most significant benefits, with the highest cost reductions (28%) and peak demand reductions (60%). This study demonstrates that synchronised solar energy generation and optimised scheduling can enhance energy efficiency and long-term financial savings, offering a practical solution for reducing operational costs and improving sustainability in schools. This study demonstrates how public institutions can contribute to the energy transition by adapting their operational schedules to align with renewable energy availability, rather than relying on conventional fixed schedules.

Keywords: energy efficiency; photovoltaic; load shifting; smart meters; school energy; demand side management (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: 2024
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