Framework for the analysis of the potential of the rooftop photovoltaic system to achieve the net-zero energy solar buildings

New renewable energy is attracting considerable attention as a future energy source. The photovoltaic (PV) market, in particular, has grown significantly during the past decade. The use of the rooftop PV system in buildings in urban environments is being actively promoted. This research was conducted to develop a framework for the analysis of the potential of the rooftop PV system to achieve the net-zero energy solar buildings in terms of energy supply. To verify the feasibility of the proposed framework, a total of 5418 elementary school facilities located in 16 administrative divisions in South Korea were selected as case studies. This research (i) collected information on the elementary school facilities, the rooftop PV system, and the meteorological and geographical characteristics by region; (ii) conducted an energy supply analysis by applying the rooftop PV system; (iii) conducted an energy demand analysis; (iv) analyzed the energy substitution effect; (v) presented the current status of the energy supply and demand in each region using the geographical information system; (vi) analyzed the causal relationship between the energy supply and demand by region; and (vii) proposed an energy supply and demand strategy by region. This research can help elementary school facility managers or policymakers conduct an energy supply and demand analysis as well as propose an energy supply and demand strategy. It can be used as part of an educational facility improvement program. The framework proposed in this research can also be applied to any other country or sector in the global environment. (c) 2013 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley Ltd.