Building-Integrated Photovoltaics in Mediterranean Net-Zero Energy Neighborhoods: Life Cycle Cost, Energy, and Environmental Impact

Abstract

This study explores the economic viability and environmental impact of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems as a local power supply in neighborhoods. Urban building energy simulations were used to model BIPV integration within a prototypical Mediterranean neighborhood. An integrated analysis of urban building modeling, material flow analysis, life cycle assessment, and life cycle cost analysis was developed. Our findings reveal  favorable economic performance with high benefit-cost ratios, low discounted payback times for most scenarios and reduced greenhouse gas intensity compared to consuming fossil energy. The estimated levelized cost of electricity is lower than that of electricity generated from fossil fuels and is competitive with local energy prices. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive economic assessments that explore the profitability and potential revenue generation from energy production and material savings when considering adoption of BIPV. The analysis of life-cycle stages underscores the significance of system pricing and BIPV recycling efficiency in determining the overall economic performance of BIPV systems. This research extends previous studies of single-building BIPV economic assessment to neighborhood-scale integration, while also comparing multiple PV materials and including end-of-life costs and revenues. The analysis offers new insights into the potential of BIPV systems to support planning net-zero energy neighborhoods.

Keywords: solar energy, Energy Planning, Urban Sustainability, Economic Analysis