Dynamic grid emission factors and export limits reduce emission abatement and cost benefits of building PV systems
Open access
Date
2024-11-15Type
- Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
Photovoltaic (PV) installations in the building sector are expected to play a crucial role in Switzerland’s efforts to achieve decarbonization targets. Nevertheless, most analyses on PV system design prioritize economic factors, and overlook the impact of angle-dependent PV generation, dynamic grid greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and export limitations on their emission abatement potential during operation. Our study sheds light on the cost and emission-optimal orientation and sizing of PV systems in buildings, factoring in hourly grid GHG emission intensity and curtailment measures. We employ mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) and illustrate the methodology for a case study building under different scenarios, aiming to minimize costs and emissions by considering a combination of rooftop and façade PV systems, and a battery. We show that assuming a constant annual grid GHG emission intensity may overestimate annual emission abatement potential of PV generation by a factor of two, emphasizing the need for dynamic grid GHG emission intensity. When considered, cost optimal solutions favour larger systems that maximize total production. In contrast, emission-optimal solutions increase self-consumption via inclusion of battery systems. Curtailment due to export limitations reduces the cost and emission benefits of excess generation (from feed-in tariff payments and carbon credits), prompting a trend towards smaller PV installations with steeper panel tilts. Thus, the emission abatement potential of PV generation heavily depends on the option to export excess electricity production. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000694755Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Energy and BuildingsVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
ElsevierSubject
PV system design; Multi-objective optimization; GHG abatement; Self-sufficiency; Self-consumptionOrganisational unit
09452 - Sansavini, Giovanni / Sansavini, Giovanni
Funding
847585 - RESPONSE - to society and policy needs through plant, food and energy sciences (EC)
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ETH Bibliography
yes
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