Análise comparativa de viabilidade econômica entre aquecimento solar de água e energia solar fotovoltaica em sistema residencial

Abstract

In light of the growing interest in renewable energy sources, driven by the need to reduce environmental impacts and electricity costs, this research aims to provide a clear understanding of the advantages and limitations of each technology within a residential context. This work presents a comparative analysis of the economic, environmental, and sustainable viability of residential solar water heating and photovoltaic energy systems. The study covers theoretical concepts, technical standards, and current regulations, and includes a case study involving three residences of varying sizes to assess system performance and return on investment. Payback calculation methodologies and economic projections were applied to evaluate the payback period and the long-term economic benefits of each system. The results show that the solar water heating system, with its lower installation cost, offers a faster financial return, making it an attractive option for households with high hot water consumption. On the other hand, the photovoltaic system, despite a higher initial investment, yields significant savings by reducing or eliminating grid electricity consumption, proving to be more advantageous in the long term, especially in regions with high solar incidence. This work contributes to the understanding of best practices for implementing solar systems in residential settings, providing a database to assist consumers and professionals in deciding which technology to adopt to maximize savings and sustainability.