Comprehensive 4E analysis of a semi-transparent photovoltaic system: A case study approach

This study presents the long-term performance of a 3.3 kWp semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) system using five years (2017-2021) of operational data collected in Gödöllő, Hungary. A comprehensive 4E (energy, exergy, economic, and environmental) framework is applied to quantify system performance under real climatic conditions. The system generated an average yearly electricity production of 2490 kWh, with variability driven by irradiance and temperature fluctuations. Exergy analysis based on Petela model revealed average exergy efficiencies significantly lower than energy efficiency due to spectral mismatch and the partial transmittance inherent to the STPV design. Environmental assessment was conducted using updated life-cycle emission intensities (28-100 g CO 2 eq/kWh and 40-110 g CO 2 eq/kWh), resulting in an embodied carbon range between 1.74 and 6.85 tonnes CO 2 eq across the two literature scenarios. Under three grid emission scenarios (0.35, 0.25, and 0.15 kg CO 2 eq/kWh), carbon payback time (CPT) ranges from 2.0 to 18.3 years. Economic evaluation yielded a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) ranging from €0.095 to €0.117 per kWh, with a simple payback period of 9.5-11.7 years. The results demonstrate that STPV systems can achieve carbon neutrality within their operational lifetime under grid conditions, although environmental performance remains sensitive to future decarbonisation pathways. The proposed framework provides reproducible methodology for evaluating STPV systems using long-term empirical datasets. • Five-year operational analysis of a 3.3 kWp semi-transparent PV system. • Comprehensive 4E framework applied: energy, exergy, economic, and environmental. • Average annual electricity generation reached 2490 kWh under real climate conditions. • LCOE ranges from €0.095–0.117 kWh with a payback period of 9.5–11.7 years. • Carbon payback time varies between 2.0 and 18.3 years depending on grid emissions. • Results confirm long-term viability of STPV systems for BIPV applications.