| Abstract: | This paper is directed at evaluating the theoretical potential of an intensive solar intervention in the historical centre of the city of Jaén (Spain). Using the outputs of a solar intervention proposal comprising biomass, photovoltaics and solar thermal domestic hot water (DHW) over a 50-building sample (in which those suitable for solar measures have been selected by evaluating each one over a collection of parameters), energy savings, environmental benefits and economic aspects of the envisaged actions are extrapolated over the entire historical centre. A saving of about 70% of conventional source energy annual consumption and a decrease of some 70% and 73% of CO2 and SOx annual releases, respectively, could be reached with respect to the present situation. Besides, an amount of conventionally generated electricity equivalent to the yearly photovoltaic-generated electricity would require 131500 m3 of water a year, which is a rather significant feature for a dry climate like that of the city. the unitary cost of energy in the new scenario would be 60.7 pta kWh-1 for photovoltaics, 329.9 pta m-3 for DHW using solar thermal installations and 4.6 Pta kWh-1 for biomass heating (1 US$ = 132.7 pta; 1 ECU = 160.9 pta). |
