School Roofs: Hubs of New Renewable Energy Communities

¹ Department of Industrial, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, Roma TRE University, Via Vito Volterra 62, 00146 Rome, Italy
² Department of Architecture, Roma TRE University, Largo Giovanni Battista Marzi 10, 00154 Rome, Italy

^* Corresponding author: leonemaria.barbaro@uniroma3.it

Abstract

Large public infrastructures, such as school buildings, have the potential to serve as vital resources for surrounding communities by incorporating photovoltaic panels on their roofs. By harnessing solar power, a school roof can become an electrical power station operating daily, with minimal environmental or architectural impact. This innovative approach can supply renewable electricity to the local community, aligning with the concept of renewable energy communities (REC). This study delves into the case of a primary school in Rome, examining strategies to distribute the generated electricity to the surrounding community. Utilizing System Advisor Model (SAM), an energy simulation was conducted to assess the performance of the photovoltaic plant. The study then analysed the energy output from the photovoltaic system in relation to streetlights and household electricity consumption. The findings underscore the effectiveness of the photovoltaic plant and the numerous benefits it offers in terms of energy efficiency, cost savings, and environmental sustainability.^*