DESIGN AND TECHNO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM INSTALLED ON A HOUSE IN XANTHI, GREECE

Abstract

The use of photovoltaic (PV) panels as an alternative energy source has a great potential for countries with high solar potential like Greece. We examined the incentives offered by the Greek government to private consumers for the installation and operation of such a system on their houses-either on the roof, or embodied with building materials for the construction of a house. We used two software packages, PVGIS and PVSYST, specifically developed for the design of PV systems, in order to take into account solar radiation and other meteorological conditions for the design of a PV system on a house in Xanthi, Greece. The expected power generation was calculated and was proved to be sufficient to cover the energy needs of the household; the number of panels for roof installation, as well as inclination angle were also specified. An economic analysis (break-even point and external rate of return) of the investment was also conducted, proving that PV installation is a solid investment that is also sustainable and environment-friendly.