Estimate of return on investment in solar energy in schools in Sergipe

Resumo

With the growing demand for energy and the environmental challenges associated with the use of fossil fuels and electrical energy in the world, the need to seek energy efficiency to reduce consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is highlighted. In addition, it has reinforced the search for renewable energy sources, emphasizing solar energy, as a sustainable alternative to meet energy demand, especially in Brazil, due to its potential for solar radiation. Public buildings, in particular schools, are identified as significant consumers of electricity, and it is pointed out that the high consumption is not only due to excessive use by consumers, but also to the intensive use of artificial lighting and conditioners of air. As it is an extensive country with high solar irradiation, there is, so, an alternative to reduce environmental impacts. The study area involved 310 schools in Sergipe, and the consumption of electricity was obtained from the website of the Sergipe Department of Education. To simulate the deployment of solar panels, the NEOSOLAR online calculator was used along with the energy tariff, providing information on average investment, and estimated monthly savings. The payback period was calculated using the Simple Payback Method for each school individually. The payback period for all schools was less than 10 years. Thus, it is concluded that the use of solar energy in these establishments proved to be an economically, socially, and environmentally viable practice.