Technical Performance and Investment Returns of a 5 kWp Rooftop Solar System for Home Offices
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Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the technical performance and investment returns of a 5 kWp rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system for a home office in Thailand. The analysis integrates simulation using PVsyst with actual electricity generation data collected over a one-year period. The economic feasibility is assessed using Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Payback Period (PP). In addition, sensitivity analyses are conducted using both One-at-a-Time (OAT) and two-variable approaches to examine the effects of key parameters, including electricity tariff, solar irradiance, panel degradation rate, and discount rate. The potential for greenhouse gas emission reduction is also evaluated.The results indicate that the system achieves an average Performance Ratio of 0.839 (83.90%) and delivers a net annual electricity output of 7,032 kWh to the grid. The deviation between simulated and measured data is only 0.59%, confirming the reliability of the model. With an initial investment cost of THB 195,000, the project yields an NPV of THB 190,751 and an IRR of 15.38%, which is more than twice the discount rate of 6.82%, along with a payback period of 6.49 years. The two-variable sensitivity analysis shows that the IRR ranges from 11.84% to 19.04%, remaining higher than the discount rate under all scenarios.The installation of a rooftop PV system for a home office offers a significant advantage due to the alignment between daytime electricity consumption and solar generation, enabling full savings at the retail electricity tariff of 4.2 THB/kWh. Over a 25-year project lifetime, the system can reduce cumulative carbon dioxide emissions by 84,888 kgCO2e. In conclusion, the proposed system represents a cost-effective, low-risk investment that supports sustainable development goals.
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