Solar energy and household energy demand

With limited roof space available, the selection of most suitable solar energy systems to meet hot water and electricity demands in a cost-effective way is always a challenge. This research focuses on a comparative study of solar energy collection methods to meet energy demand for an Australian household using both solar thermal collectors and PVs in combination. Different system configurations are investigated by developing models in TRNSYS simulation software. Two different scenarios are analysed in this research where in the first scenario only solar PV system is used and in the second both the solar water heater and solar PV system are used in combination for the same roof area. Based on the TRNSYS output results, economic benefits are analysed and compared.