Photovoltaic Energy Production in Two University Campuses: a Comparative Study

The transition to renewable energy is vital to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and curb greenhouse gas emissions. Universities, as energy-intensive institutions with diverse activities, offer a particularly suitable context for photovoltaic system deployment. This study evaluates two operational PV installations at the University of Castilla-La Mancha, located on the Albacete and Toledo campuses, using hourly monitoring data from October 2024 to February 2025. At Albacete, all electricity produced was consumed, as demand consistently exceeded generation, with demand peaks of 2 MWh compared with maximum PV output of 400 kWh. In Toledo, demand surpassed 800 kWh, while PV generation reached 200 kWh. Average demand coverage was 8.2% in Toledo and 7.9% in Albacete, shaped by consumption profiles and the limitations of zero-injection systems. Generation patterns revealed broader, more centred curves at Albacete due to dual module orientations, while Toledo showed a skewed profile from west-facing modules. Economically, savings amounted to 26,600 € at Albacete and 14,600 € at Toledo, with results confirming that both PV generation and electricity prices determine financial benefits. Overall, the study demonstrates the capacity of PV systems in universities to lower electricity costs and grid dependence, while stressing the importance of analyses based on real operational data.