Energy, economic, and environmental analysis of cost-effective renewable hybrid system with prefabrication technologies

This study aims to provide a cost-effective integrated system with photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) modules and ground source heat pumps (GSHP) for stakeholders, architects, and engineers to effectively realize sustainable buildings from energy, economic, and environmental (3E) perspectives. Prefabrication technologies, such as PVT module using attachable solar collector (APVT) and modular ground heat exchanger (MGHE), have been applied to implement cost-effective renewable hybrid system (APVT–GSHP). The 3E performance of the APVT–GSHP system was evaluated by comparing it a GSHP and PVT–GSHP under four different climatic conditions. The findings demonstrate that APVT–GSHPs are the most economical and environmentally option. The APVT–GSHP reduced the initial investment costs and total carbon emissions by 29 % and 12 %, respectively, compared to the PVT–GSHP. The APVT modules and MGHE were effective in reducing the initial investment cost and carbon emissions, thereby improving the economic and environmental viability of the renewable hybrid systems using the PVT module and GSHP. The economic and environmental benefits of the renewable hybrid systems with prefabrication technologies facilitate its widespread adoption under similar climatic conditions.