How do you apply renewable energy evaluation methods to different contexts?

1 Grid-connected systems

Grid-connected systems are renewable energy systems that are connected to the existing electricity grid and can either supply or receive power from it. Grid-connected systems can be evaluated using methods such as levelized cost of energy (LCOE), net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period. These methods help you compare the costs and benefits of different renewable energy technologies and configurations, and determine their economic viability and attractiveness. To apply these methods to grid-connected systems, you need to consider factors such as the grid tariff, the feed-in tariff, the net metering scheme, the grid connection costs, and the grid reliability.

3 Hybrid systems

Hybrid systems are renewable energy systems that combine two or more renewable energy technologies or sources, such as solar and wind, or solar and biomass. Hybrid systems can be evaluated using methods such as hybrid optimization model for electric renewables (HOMER), techno-economic analysis (TEA), and multi-criteria analysis (MCA). These methods help you optimize the design and operation of hybrid systems, assess their technical and economic feasibility, and evaluate their performance and trade-offs based on multiple criteria, such as cost, reliability, efficiency, and emissions. To apply these methods to hybrid systems, you need to consider factors such as the complementarity of resources, the integration of technologies, the control and management strategies, and the sensitivity and uncertainty analysis.

4 Residential sector

The residential sector is the sector that includes households and dwellings that use renewable energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances. The residential sector can be evaluated using methods such as energy audits, energy performance certificates (EPCs), and energy savings calculations. These methods help you measure the energy consumption and efficiency of residential buildings, identify the potential for renewable energy integration and retrofitting, and estimate the energy savings and carbon reduction from renewable energy interventions. To apply these methods to the residential sector, you need to consider factors such as the building characteristics, the occupancy patterns, the thermal comfort, and the behavioral aspects.

5 Commercial sector

The commercial sector is the sector that includes businesses and services that use renewable energy for various purposes, such as offices, shops, hotels, and restaurants. The commercial sector can be evaluated using methods such as benchmarking, energy management systems (EMS), and green building rating systems. These methods help you compare the energy performance of commercial buildings with similar ones, monitor and control the energy use and generation of renewable energy systems, and certify the environmental and social performance of green buildings. To apply these methods to the commercial sector, you need to consider factors such as the building function, the operational hours, the energy demand, and the stakeholder engagement.

6 Industrial sector

The industrial sector is the sector that includes manufacturing and processing activities that use renewable energy for various processes, such as heat, power, and transport. The industrial sector can be evaluated using methods such as energy intensity indicators, pinch analysis, and life cycle costing (LCC). These methods help you measure the energy efficiency and productivity of industrial processes, identify the optimal integration of renewable energy sources and technologies, and calculate the total costs and benefits of renewable energy projects over their lifespan. To apply these methods to the industrial sector, you need to consider factors such as the process characteristics, the energy quality, the waste heat recovery, and the market conditions.