Design, CPM-Based Scheduling, and Economic Evaluation of a Rooftop Solar Energy System in the Bursa Free Zone

ABSTRACT This study addresses the rising energy costs and carbon emission challenges by designing a solar energy system to meet energy demands in the Bursa Free Zone, aligning with sustainability and governmental energy efficiency standards. Rooftops of industrial facilities were evaluated as installation sites for photovoltaic (PV) systems. Using tools such as PV-SOL, PVsyst, and SketchUp, feasibility reports were prepared, and a 1,558-kWh capacity solar system was proposed. This system is expected to generate approximately 2,111,405 kWh of electricity annually. In addition to the technical design, a detailed project scheduling and optimization process was conducted using the Critical Path Method (CPM). The goal was to identify critical project activities and evaluate the potential for duration reduction. Project crashing scenarios were analysed using QM for Windows V5 and LINGO optimization software. Among several scenarios, the most efficient was shortening the project duration by one month at an additional cost of $8,725, offering the best time-cost trade-off. The engineering economic analysis was conducted in parallel, evaluating the project's financial performance over a 25-year lifecycle. Key metrics such as payback period and net present value (NPV) were calculated. The study also examined the financial benefits of project acceleration. This integrated approach—combining solar energy system design, CPM-based project scheduling, optimization software, and engineering economics—provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable energy implementation and efficient project management.