Analysis of Technical Efficiency, Economic Feasibility, and Environmental Impacts of using Solar Heating Installations for Buildings

Abstract

This study aims to provide a clear vision of the potential of solar heating installations currently available in the market as a successful alternative to traditional methods, economic feasibility, and contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study involves using solar energy to provide the energy needed to heat a house in Warsaw. The solar installations were tested, and their performance was simulated and compared based on production quantity with cost and suitability for the climatic conditions of the study area. In addition to determining the best way to install solar panels by calculating optimal tilt and azimuth angles. The work methodology for designing a suitable solar system went in two directions; the first is using a solar thermal collector in direct heat generation, while the second is using photovoltaic panels to generate electricity to heat water by a water heater. All results were obtained through simulation work in RETScreen and PVGIS software. The results showed that solar thermal collectors and photovoltaic panels contributed to the annual energy demand by 40% and 43%, and the financial returns in case the conventional energy is electricity or natural gas are 715 and 252 EUR (for STC) and 765 and 269 EUR (for PV), respectively. It also reduced annual emissions by 2.36 and 2.53 tCO2. © 2023, International Journal of Renewable Energy Research. All Rights Reserved.