Photovoltaic Potential on High Consumption Industrial Buildings in Equatorial Areas

Industry and buildings produce 60% of the world's greenhouse gases and, in particular, consume 62% of the electricity in Cuenca, Ecuador. The equatorial Andean areas have a consistent and relatively stable energy source in the sun throughout the year. Industrial plants show surfaces suitable for deploying photovoltaic solar collection. By means of a volumetric survey of a high consumption industrial plant, a proposal is made for an intervention in the roof, to ensure maximum occupation of crystalline silica PV panels, also considering aspects of interior ventilation and natural lighting. Through the BIM (Building Information Modeling) model and SAM@ simulations, a supply of 22% of the current high electricity consumption is foreseen, a volume equivalent to the residential demand of 17,328 inhabitants or 2% of the city's total consumption. In spite of the fact that, due to state fuel subsidy policies, this is not a profitable investment, it is demonstrated here that it is an alternative for the elimination of fuels, considering their harmful nature, both from economic and environmental perspectives.