The BERLIN Smart Tool, developed by University of Western Macedonia and within the BERLIN project, calculates the proper size and combination of photovltaics and battery storage system in order to reach self-sufficiency in buildings.

The online tool aims to promote self-sufficiency in buildings with flexible loads, by properly sizing the photovoltaic and battery storage systems to be installed in a building, and by providing an efficient schedule for the flexible loads.

The tool calculates the proper size of a hybrid PV+storage system to achieve one of the following objectives:

• Maximum self-sufficiency
• Maximum net present value
• Cost-effective solutions for enhanced self-sufficiency

The tool also incorporates an option for an exhaustive analysis, that delivers the results for all possible PV and battery system size combinations. The required inputs include electrical consumption, building location, PV and battery size range for the analysis, electricity costs, and the policy applying to renewables in the region of the case study. A financial analysis is undertaken for a period of 5-25 years (based on user’s choice), taking into consideration several technical and financial parameters. The tool can be used by both professionals and non-professionals users.

The tool can be used by building owners or managers to enhance the energy self-sufficiency of buildings exploiting photovoltaics, energy storage, and demand-side management.

Access the tool here.