INTEGRATING SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF A HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE
G. K. Jayatunga1* and M. Wickramathilaka2
1, 2 Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Session: Technical Session A
Abstract
This paper presents a study on integrating solar energy into a higher educational institute to meet Sustainable Development Goal 7.1, which focuses on universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services. This study focuses on implementing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at the Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa (ITUM), Sri Lanka to address rising energy costs and reduce carbon emissions. ITUM, which accommodates approximately 1,600 resident students and 200 staff spent approximately 33 million LKR on energy in 2022. This research proposes the installation of 450 kWp solar PV system to cover 65% of the institute’s daytime energy consumption, generating an estimated 57,956 kWh per month. The system is projected to provide monthly savings of 2.17 million LKR. With a total investment of 48.04 million LKR and an estimated payback period of 2 years, the solar installation will reduce ITUM's carbon footprint by 395 MT of carbon dioxide annually. The integration of solar energy at ITUM demonstrates a viable approach to achieving financial savings, improving energy sustainability, and fostering environmental responsibility within educational institutions.
Keywords: carbon footprint, energy management, higher educational institute, solar PV energy
DOI: 10.64752/NRFR8828