Long-term performance and GHG emission offset analysis of small-scale grid-tied residential solar PV systems in northerly latitudes

The integration of solar energy systems into residential buildings is an emerging trend worldwide and is an important method of mitigating the impact of housing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To achieve optimal energy performance, particularly in cold-climate regions, the generating capacity of solar photovoltaic systems (PVs) as well as their corresponding GHG emissions offsets must be investigated. In the present paper the energy generation of 86 PV sites in northerly latitudes is analysed to investigate their actual long-term performance considering various parameters. Energy payback time (EPBT) and GHG emissions of the monitored PV systems are also investigated and key parameters influencing both EPBT and GHG emissions are identified. Results indicate that there is a correlation between a solar PV layout setting and its EPBT and GHG emissions. Other results include the solar PV potential benchmarking in each of the cities where the study is conducted and the recommended layout placement in order to maximise the annual energy aggregate of PV systems and thus minimize their EPBT and GHG emissions.