Return on investment of photovoltaic systems and CO2 reduction in commercial and residential areas

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) that can be obtained through the implementation of photovoltaic systems. As a study sample, surveys were conducted and applied in Nuevo Laredo. Residential and commercial areas were considered in order to determine the CO2 reduction they would have if photovoltaic systems were implemented to cover the required energy demand. The estimated consumption in small businesses was 1.2-kilowatt hours (kW/h) and in medium-sized businesses it was 2.1 kWh. In the residential area, it was determined that an average home consumes 291.7 kW/h bimonthly, and this results in an emission of 0.9313 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). With the data obtained, it was estimated that if photovoltaic systems were implemented throughout the city, a reduction of 111,765.6 tCO2e could be achieved in a bimonthly period; without a doubt, this figure offers a clear idea of the benefit this would bring to the environment.