Energy and economic analysis for large-scale integration of small photovoltaic systems in buildings: The case of a public location in Southern Spain

The integration of grid-connected PV systems into buildings or public areas is one of the most usual applications of the photovoltaic solar energy in developed countries and it is being highly promoted by several European governments. In this paper it has been evaluated the photovoltaic potential of the Campus of the University of Jaén and it has been defined possible areas where the PV systems could be installed according to power requirements, space possibilities, the electrical configuration of the Campus and some social integration requirements too. The definition of the PV potential, together with a technical analysis for the calculation of the energy generated, is the previous step for carrying out an economic and cost analysis in order to certify the profitability of these systems in general, particularizing the study for the case of this University located in Southern Spain. The PV electricity cost generated has been calculated through the concept levelised cost of electricity (LCOE), where in our case is estimated to be around 0.13–0.14 € kWh−1. The results obtained in this economic analysis recommend the implementation of PV grid-connected systems (PVGCS) as the internal rate of return reaches a maximum value of 6.21%, the net present value is positive and the discounted payback time is around 16 years. An additional sensitive analysis shows the influence that some parameters have on the LCOE, specially the initial investment, the energy yield and the nominal discount rate.