Integrated Modeling and Feasibility Study of a Rooftop Solar System on Academic Buildings: A Case Study in Bangladesh

The uses of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have increased significantly as the world moves towards renewable energy sources (RESs). Rooftop solar systems (RSSs) are particularly popular due to their environmental advantages. This study explores the integrated modeling and feasibility analysis of rooftop solar system for Rangamati Science and Technology University (RMSTU), located in Rangamati district, Bangladesh. Established to advance higher education and research in science and technology in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) region, the university requires a thorough feasibility assessment before installing a grid-connected RSS. This paper presents a detailed methodology for evaluating a grid-connected RSS, considering performance, economic factors, losses, and environmental impact. A test system with a 125 kWp capacity is implemented in academic buildings 1 and 2 on the university campus using PVsyst and the System Advisor Model (SAM) software. Simulation results show an annual energy output of 185.86 MWh and a payback period of 4.8 years. The results indicate a performance ratio of 80.2%, a marginal levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 6.468 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) (equivalent to $0.055), and a reduction in CO<inf xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</inf> emissions by 86.243 tons per year.