Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Economic Evaluation Of Solar Energy Systems In Commercial Buildings: Methodology And Case Studies, Rosalie T. Ruegg, G. Thomas Sav, Jeanne W. Powell, E. Thomas Pierce

Economics Faculty Publications

This report develops a comprehensive economic optimization model for evaluating the economic feasibility of active solar energy systems to provide service hot water and combined space heating/service hot water in commercial buildings. The model is demonstrated in a number of case studies for office buildings and retail stores. Data and assumptions for use in the model are compiled for the selected case studies. Using these data, the model is applied to estimate present value net savings (or net losses) of the solar energy systems over a 20-year life cycle. Break-even values for hot water loads, solar energy system costs, and …