Economic and Energetic Assessment and Comparison of Solar Heating and Cooling Systems

Solar heating and cooling (SHC) systems are currently attracting attention, especially in times of increasing energy prices supply crises. In lower prices, absorption SHC were not competitive to compression supported by photovoltaic (PV) modules due the high investment costs total efficiency. This paper aims discuss current changes terms feasibility application a small system mild Mediterranean climate. The existing hospital complex restaurant with evacuated tube solar collectors single-stage chiller was used as reference for extended analysis. Dynamic simulation models based on thermal collectors, PV modules, chillers air-to-water heat pumps developed reliable research comparison. results showed that primary consumption designed cover base load strongly depends additional source, e.g., boiler or pump. Absorption can be price pump (AWHP) only case reduced increased electricity price. To reach acceptable economic viability system, should at least equal than comparable AWHP system.