ORIGINAL PAPER
Optimal operating strategy of a net-zero electricity solar photovoltaic building for a sustainable energy future: a case study in northern Algeria
1
Electronic Department, Institute of Science, University Center of Tipaza, Tipaza, Algeria
2
Solar Equipment Development Unit, UDES, Renewable Energy Development Center, CDER, Tipaza, Algeria
3
Electrical Engineering Department, Bouira University, Algeria
4
Electrical Engineering Department, University of Jaén, Linares, Spain
Submission date: 2025-05-29
Final revision date: 2025-08-02
Acceptance date: 2025-08-06
Publication date: 2025-12-19
Corresponding author
Mohammed Laour
Electronic Department, Institute of Science, University Center of Tipaza, Tipaza, Algeria
Electronic Department, Institute of Science, University Center of Tipaza, Tipaza, Algeria
Polityka Energetyczna – Energy Policy Journal 2025;28(4):151-180
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
The vast solar potential of Algeria underscores the need for adopting strategies helping to integrate solar energy in residential buildings to meet growing energy consumption and alleviate the financial pressures caused by energy subsidies. This paper presents a study on the optimal operational strategy and economic analysis for residential buildings aiming to achieve net-zero electricity (NZE) through cost-effective solutions. The methodology involves the development of a high-performance simulation model for NZE solar homes. This model integrates several algorithms designed to optimize the sizing of the photovoltaic (PV) system and implement an efficient energy management strategy. The results show that an optimal PV peak power of 4.218 kWp and a battery capacity of 5.578 kWh lead to a net annual energy surplus of approximately 58 kWh and an electricity cost of 0.1204 USD/kWh, resulting from the investment in the NZE solar home. On average, the system supplies 0.433 kW to the grid during midday peak hours in summer while maintaining full electrical autonomy during evening peak hours. Therefore, the proposed optimal strategy maximizes the use of solar PV energy and minimizes reliance on grid electricity. It also ensures net-zero electricity by accounting for long-term interaction with the grid. Additionally, a detailed cost-benefit analysis reveals potential savings of 7,176.00 USD per household, representing a 68% reduction in government energy subsidies over a 25-year period. These findings offer a practical roadmap for the large-scale deployment of NZE homes in Algeria, helping to reduce both grid stress and the financial burden of energy subsidies, while also contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The Authors have no conflicts of interest to declare
METADATA IN OTHER LANGUAGES:
Polish
Optymalna strategia eksploatacji budynku z zerowym zużyciem energii elektrycznej, zasilanego energią słoneczną, dla zrównoważonej przyszłości energetycznej: studium przypadku z północnej Algierii
budynki solarne NZE, dobór wielkości instalacji fotowoltaicznej, zrównoważona energia, optymalne planowanie, efektywne zarządzanie energią
Ogromny potencjał słoneczny Algierii podkreśla potrzebę przyjęcia strategii pomagających w integracji energii słonecznej w budynkach mieszkalnych, aby sprostać rosnącemu zużyciu energii i złagodzić presję finansową spowodowaną dotacjami energetycznymi. W niniejszym artykule przedstawiono badanie dotyczące optymalnej strategii operacyjnej i analizy ekonomicznej dla budynków mieszkalnych, mające na celu osiągnięcie zerowego zużycia energii elektrycznej netto (NZE) poprzez opłacalne rozwiązania. Metodologia obejmuje opracowanie wysokowydajnego modelu symulacyjnego dla domów słonecznych NZE. Model ten integruje kilka algorytmów zaprojektowanych w celu optymalizacji wymiarów systemu fotowoltaicznego (PV) i wdrożenia efektywnej strategii zarządzania energią. Wyniki pokazują, że optymalna moc szczytowa PV wynosząca 4,218 kWp i pojemność akumulatora wynosząca 5,578 kWh prowadzą do rocznej nadwyżki energii netto wynoszącej około 58 kWh i kosztu energii elektrycznej wynoszącego 0,1204 USD/kWh, wynikającego z inwestycji w dom solarny NZE. Średnio system dostarcza 0,433 kW do sieci w godzinach szczytu w południe w okresie letnim, zachowując pełną autonomię elektryczną w godzinach szczytu wieczornego. W związku z tym proponowana optymalna strategia maksymalizuje wykorzystanie energii słonecznej PV i minimalizuje zależność od energii elektrycznej z sieci. Zapewnia również zerowy bilans energii elektrycznej, uwzględniając długoterminową interakcję z siecią. Ponadto szczegółowa analiza kosztów i korzyści wykazuje potencjalne oszczędności w wysokości 7176,00 USD na gospodarstwo domowe, co stanowi 68-procentową redukcję rządowych dotacji energetycznych w okresie 25 lat. Wyniki te stanowią praktyczny plan działania dla wdrożenia na szeroką skalę domów o zerowym zużyciu energii w Algierii, pomagając zmniejszyć obciążenie sieci energetycznej i finansowe obciążenie związane z dotacjami energetycznymi, a jednocześnie przyczyniając się do redukcji emisji CO2.
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