ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the economic feasibility of solar thermal cooling systems. It presents a method to evaluate whether a solar thermal cooling system has a lower or higher lifetime cost than a standard conventional air-conditioning system of similar size. The chapter explains the economic calculation method can be applied to a PV-based air-conditioning system if the inputs are changed accordingly. The economic feasibility of the solar thermal cooling system can then be estimated compared to this standard system. The significant parameters for economic feasibility can thus either be derived from software modelling or manual calculation. The net present value (NPV) method is a standard method for calculating the economic feasibility of projects. The chapter differentiates between the main components and the balance of plant. The NPV calculations do not include potential salvage values or disposal costs for either system at the end of their working lives. Every solar thermal cooling system is an individual design.
