Abstract
Abstract
Energy and cost savings from a PV installation in a dwelling is influenced by a number of variables including occupant behaviour and the feedback mechanism accompanying the PV system. This monitoring device can reveal the energy efficiency opportunities present in real-time. The same way an in-home smart metre shows how much energy is being consumed by a household, a PV metre highlights both the generated power and the amount being used at any point in time. Results from a field survey revealed that post-PV installation, there was increased electricity awareness and energy conservation amongst the households. It was further found that in addition to the presence of a feedback metre, conscious energy management efforts arising from the part of the PV adopters and users led to the energy and cost savings. Most importantly, it was revealed that the energy savings were primarily driven by PV efficiency limits. These findings were used to develop a PV efficiency cycle demonstrating how the energy conservation and use efficiency occurred. The study showed the implications and proposed ways by which PV can be promoted in emerging economies.