Energy and economic assessment of a hybrid Solar Assisted Heat Pump system

The photovoltaic technology has proven to be an efficient way to convert solar energy into electricity, being able to extensively cover buildings energy needs, especially in Mediterranean climate such as the Italian one. However, the PV industry must overcome the difficulties generated by the end of the feed-in tariffs and the economic crisis. It is essential, therefore, to develop solutions, characterized by high levels of operative efficiency and effectiveness with particular reference to the building context. The proposed research is aimed to assess, under energy and economic points of view, a PVT-Solar Assisted Heat Pump (PVT-SAHP) system for space heating, cooling and domestic hot water production. In particular, the technical configuration allows to maximize the electrical performance of the PVT collectors and, at the same time, the seasonal COP of a small-size heat pump system, while reducing the electricity exchanged with the grid, and ensuring a high level of architectural integration.