Energy Performance Contracting for Solar PV in the Public Sector: Performance and Carbon Mitigation


Szeląg-Sikora A., Sikora J., Akbulut L., ÇOŞGUN A., Arıncı Y., Akbulut A., ...Daha Fazla

Energies, cilt.19, sa.11, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 19 Sayı: 11
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3390/en19112529
  • Dergi Adı: Energies
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO)
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: energy governance, energy performance contracting, monitoring and verification, performance ratio, photovoltaic systems, public-sector decarbonization, sustainability transitions
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) is increasingly used as a financial mechanism to accelerate renewable energy investments in public infrastructure; however, its effectiveness depends not only on technical performance but also on institutional governance arrangements. This study evaluates a 1.71 MWp grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system implemented under an EPC model at a public university in Türkiye, examining the interaction between operational performance and institutional governance structures. A mixed-methods research design was applied, combining SCADA-based electricity generation data for the 2024–2025 monitoring period with contract analysis and institutional evaluation. The results indicate that the PV system achieved stable electricity production levels and an average performance ratio of approximately 83%, demonstrating reliable operational performance under real operating conditions. Annual electricity generation reached about 2.13 GWh in 2024 and 2.44 GWh in 2025, corresponding to estimated carbon emission reductions of approximately 895 and 1025 tonnes of CO2, respectively. Despite these technical achievements, the analysis reveals several governance-related challenges, including fragmented institutional responsibilities and limited transparency in monitoring and verification processes. The findings suggest that the effectiveness of EPC mechanisms depends on the integration of technical performance monitoring with coherent institutional roles and transparent governance structures. When supported by clear policy alignment and systematic monitoring frameworks, EPC-based photovoltaic investments can function as effective instruments for accelerating renewable energy deployment and supporting decarbonization strategies in public sector institutions.