A critical appraisal of the cost savings associated with renewable energy systems in buildings and their management

Abstract

This dissertation was a result of the cost savings associated with renewable energy Systems at Xrobb l-Ghagin Sustainable Development Centre. To accomplish this goal, a thorough understanding of the term Life Cycle Analysis was required, followed by an adaptation of such analysis to the dissertation in question. This was achieved by implementing a number of indicators and boundaries. Such analysis had to be followed by the procurement of relevant data from the Xrobb l-Ghagin Research Centre, through interviews, site inspection, and data logging. Data with respect to the site’s annual radiation was obtained at daily intervals, per month, whilst also taking into consideration maximum peaks and false values. Furthermore, Life Cycle Inventory per photovoltaic panel was attained through foreign photovoltaic panel producers, and European certified documents. With the development of this Life Cycle Analysis model, the Performance Ration, Payback Times, CO2 emissions per system, that were saved, as well as the electrical cost savings gained thanks to such system, were established. Over the course of this study, a number of formulas were used, to produce the required results. An in-depth comparison between each system, based on the primary objectives were then produced, in the form of tables, figures and literature description.