S4 Framework for the Integration of Solar Energy Systems in Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Companies in Mexico

Abstract

Currently, the industrial sector consumes more than 60% of the energy produced in Mexico, mainly from fossil fuels, causing negative impacts on the environment and human beings. Solar energy helps companies diversify their energy sources, generate savings, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Moreover, the environmental impact can be reduced when CO2 emissions are reduced. Nevertheless, in Mexico, less than 3.5% of the electricity comes from solar energy, and along with a lack of information about the technical and social aspects involved in photovoltaic (PV) systems, it is difficult for companies to analyze and evaluate relevant data, and thus make effective decisions based on their needs. As such, companies cannot understand the complete lifecycle of PV systems, and, usually, the economic, environmental, and technical decisions are made only using the installation analysis, which is only one stage in the lifespan of PV systems. This paper proposes an S4 framework with the sensing, smart, sustainable, and social features that small and medium-sized companies must consider to install, operate, and dispose of PV systems, considering the Mexican context. The current literature does not show a complete classification to cover the essential S4 features to describe PV systems, so companies only have partial information when deciding about the installation of PV systems. This framework considers all the needs that may exist during the PV systems’ lifecycle, making a detailed evaluation of each of its elements in each lifecycle stage. Consequently, this S4 framework gives a complete guideline allowing companies to decide on PV systems. Finally, this paper presents a case study about a Mexican company that uses the proposed S4 framework to analyze the PV’s lifespan.