Photovoltaic potential on high consumption industrial buildings in equatorial areas.

Abstract

Industrial and residential buildings account for 60% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, and more specifically, they consume 62% of the electricity in Cuenca, Ecuador. The sun provides equatorial Andean countries with a consistent and relatively stable energy source throughout the year. Industrial plants have suitable surface areas on which to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Using a volumetric survey of a high-consumption industrial plant, a roof intervention is proposed to achieve maximum usage of crystalline silicon solar panels. Aspects of indoor ventilation and natural lighting are also considered. Through a BIM (Building Information Modelling) software model and simulations using SAM@, it is expected that 22% of the current high level of electricity consumption can be supplied, which is equivalent to the residential demand of 17,328 inhabitants, or 2% of the total consumption of the city. Although state fuel subsidy policies mean the proposal is not a profitable investment, this research demonstrates that it is an alternative that could be used to eliminate such policies, especially considering the fact that they are harmful both economically and environmentally.