Expansion of photovoltaic systems in multicampi higher education institutions: evaluation and guidelines

Abstract

Considering the multicampi organizational structure of higher education institutions (HEIs), the expansion of photovoltaic (PV) systems previously installed in the facilities, the great potential for PV generation in Brazil, and the 2030 Agenda, the general goal of this research study is to evaluate and promote the expansion of the aforementioned PV systems. For this purpose, the PV system installed at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Piauí comprising a future expansion is characterized by a thorough literature and documentary research. The solar resource available at the campuses of the institution was estimated using the second version of the Brazilian Atlas of Solar Energy. The technical–economic viability of the system expansion is assessed through the average parameters and minimum performance indexes required by the institution. Thus, it is possible to prove the effectiveness of the methodology to identify investment priorities and guide the construction and expansion of other PV systems, confirming that this process is technically and economically feasible as associated with strategic adherence, also bringing several environmental benefits.