Date of Submission

8-19-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Advisor

Dr. Byungik Chang

Committee Member

Dr. Goli Nossoni

Committee Member

Dr. Emese Hadnagy

Committee Member

Dr. Abe Ardeshir

Keywords

Solar PV, Normalization, Higher education institutions, Economic parameters

LCSH

Electric utilities--Rates, Photovoltaic power systems, Solar panels, Renewable energy sources, Universities and colleges

Abstract

One of the most common issue in Connecticut (CT) is the high electricity rates. CT stands among the top five states for its high electric rates due to limitation in transmission facilities and storage of natural gas. Education institutions serve as good places to install photovoltaic systems as they have a large number of buildings available. Photovoltaic systems are a growing alternative energy source that reduces the electricity demand and hence higher education institutions should start implementing these technologies to reduce the burden of paying more for electricity bills.

The primary objective of the study was to analyze the economic feasibility of solar photovoltaic systems (PV) in higher education institutions in Connecticut (CT). To perform the objective, several economic parameters were calculated and the annual electricity revenue for the University of New Haven was determined and applied to the entire state of Connecticut. The study was expanded to other states in the U.S. by normalizing the available roof area, electricity rate and solar index by each state.

The total electricity generation was estimated for various regions by normalization. This estimation can be used by university administration for calculation of total power generation and total revenue per year in that particular state. With the normalization ratio obtained, one can identify the total power generation in other regions of the U.S. beforehand while considering installation of PV systems. Results from the study regarding the total revenue reveal that the Southwestern and Western regions of the U.S have more solar power generation capacity due to high solar radiation.

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