Technical and economic feasibility of photovoltaic energy adoption in a multifamily residential building

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21712/lajer.2026.v13.n2.p125-135

Keywords:

photovoltaics, economic viability, energy efficiency

Abstract

Photovoltaic energy is widely recognized as a clean alternative capable of mitigating environmental impacts and reducing dependence on fossil-fuel-based electricity. Motivated by these factors, this study evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of implementing a photovoltaic system in a multi-family building in southern Brazil. The research was carried out in the Vila Verde Condominium, located in the municipality of Concórdia (Santa Catarina), where the choice of location was justified by the representativeness of its architectural and urban characteristics in the regional multi-family housing context. The methodology included an assessment of 12 months of electricity consumption, analysis of the physical installation environment using geolocation and aerial imagery, system sizing, and an economic comparison based on financing simulations. The economic analysis consisted of comparing the monthly cost of the photovoltaic system with the condominium’s current electricity expenditure, demonstrating financial attractiveness through immediate monthly cost reduction rather than long-term assumptions or predictive simulations. The results indicate that the available roof area allows the installation of a 14.1 kWp system with an estimated average generation of 1,550 kWh/month. From a practical perspective, the system reduces energy expenses, shortens payback time, and decreases dependence on the conventional grid. The study contributes a replicable case for similar residential developments and supports the advancement of solar energy adoption in urban environments, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13.

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Author Biographies

  • Murilo Anzanello Nichele, Universidade do Contestado

    Master’s student in the Professional Master’s Program in Civil, Sanitary, and Environmental Engineering, Universidade do Contestado, Concórdia, SC, Brazil. 

  • Paulo Reis Junior, Federal University of Fronteira Sul

    PhD student in the Graduate Program in Environmental Science and Technology at Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul (UFFS), Erechim, RS, Brazil.

  • Jairo Marchesan, Universidade do Contestado

    Professor in the Professional Master’s Program in Civil, Sanitary, and Environmental Engineering, Universidade do Contestado, Concórdia, SC, Brazil. 

  • Mari Aurora Favero Reis, Universidade do Contestado

    Professor in the Professional Master’s Program in Civil, Sanitary, and Environmental Engineering, Universidade do Contestado, Concórdia, SC, Brazil. 

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Published

09/03/2026

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Section

Eficiência Energética

How to Cite

Nichele, M.A. et al. (2026) “Technical and economic feasibility of photovoltaic energy adoption in a multifamily residential building”, Latin American Journal of Energy Research, 13(2), pp. 125–135. doi:10.21712/lajer.2026.v13.n2.p125-135.