Integrated value model for sustainability assessment of residential solar energy systems towards minimizing urban air pollution in Tehran. (1st January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hamed Banirazi Motlagh, S.; Hosseini, S.M. Amin; Pons-Valladares, Oriol
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 249(2022)
• Page Start: 40
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2023-01-01
• Subjects: Renewable energy -- Solar system -- Residential buildings -- Urban air pollution -- Sustainability assessment; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2022.10.047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Multi-objective model to evaluate solar systems' air pollution reduction capacity MIVES-based approach to assess the sustainability impacts of suitable solar systems Annual CO2 & PM avoiding by using PV & PVT to 211 & 488 kg/m 2 and 1.2 & 1.9 g/m 2 BAPV obtains higher sustainability value as the best socio-economic alternative. BAPV/T is the eco-friendly alternative having the potential to reduce air pollution. Abstract: Renewable energy applications are lucrative alternatives to minimize urban environmental impacts. Solar energy, the most abundant, inexhaustible, and cleanest of all renewable sources, provides an opportunity to transform buildings from energy consumers into active energy producers. Nevertheless, photovoltaic (PV) and hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) are considered the most viable alternatives for urban settlements. This study, as part of a broader research project, develops a new model to evaluate solar systems' air pollution mitigation capacity and assist decision-makers in adopting the most suitable solution. The approach is based on the integrated value model for sustainability assessment (MIVES), combined with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and sensitivity analysis. This multi-objective tool is applied to residential buildings in Tehran, a megacity example with unused rooftops, solar energy harvest potential, and air pollution reduction needs. Results reveal one square meter of PV and PV/T enables avoiding 211 and 488 kg CO2 emissions annually, as well as 1.2 and 1.9 g PM pollutants, respectively. Although PV achieves higher sustainability indexes as a better socio-economic alternative, PV/T can be a robust solution when stakeholders are more sensitive to environmental requirements and air pollution decrement potential. The critical obstacle to PV/T deployment is the lack of financial incentives. However, allocating 38 % of solar electricity feed-in tariffs to solar thermal energy could solve this issue. Compared to green roofs, solar systems stand out with CO2 saving and energy production potential. Researchers expect future solar collectors' improvements, such as lower resource consumption, thus, becoming more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions.