Influence of solar fraction on photovoltaic generated energy at Serbian residential building

Abstract

In buildings, which are large consumers of energy, it is necessary to use technologies of renewable energy sources. One of the best solutions is solar energy, because solar energy is the most promising and reliable energy source, due to its clean and inexhaustible energy source that does not cause pollution. This paper analyzes the energy consumption in a single-family residential building with photovoltaic array. Electricity in the building is used for space heating, lighting, DHW system and electrical appliances. Energy consumption and energy generation data were obtained by simulations performed in the EnergyPlus software, while building was designed in Open Studio plug-in for Google Sketch Up. The analyzed building has located in the city of Kragujevac. This investigation shows the possibility for energy saving in residential Serbian building, with variable solar fraction at photovoltaic array and variable cell efficiency of photovoltaics. Obtained results also shown that concept of Positive net-energy building concept (PNEB) can be achieved, with solar fraction of 0.85, PV cell efficiency of 16 % and proper PV surface area.