IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v18y2025i9p2301-d1646965.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Renewable Energy Use for Conversion of Residential House into an Off-Grid Building—Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • Artur Jachimowski

    (Department of Technology and Ecology of Products, College of Management Sciences and Quality, Krakow University of Economics, ul. Rakowicka 27, 31-510 Krakow, Poland)

  • Wojciech Luboń

    (Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Krakow, 30 Mickiewicz Ave, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Zofia Michlowicz

    (Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Krakow, 30 Mickiewicz Ave, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Dominika Dawiec

    (Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Krakow, 30 Mickiewicz Ave, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Mateusz Wygoda

    (Department of Technology and Ecology of Products, College of Management Sciences and Quality, Krakow University of Economics, ul. Rakowicka 27, 31-510 Krakow, Poland)

  • Marcin Paprocki

    (Department of Technology and Ecology of Products, College of Management Sciences and Quality, Krakow University of Economics, ul. Rakowicka 27, 31-510 Krakow, Poland)

  • Paweł Wyczesany

    (Independent Researcher, 31-354 Krakow, Poland)

  • Grzegorz Pełka

    (Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Krakow, 30 Mickiewicz Ave, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Paweł Jastrzębski

    (Faculty of Management, AGH University of Krakow, 30 Mickiewicz Ave, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

Abstract

The reduction of harmful emissions is shaping trends across many industries, including architecture and building. With rising ecological awareness and the threat of climate change, architects, construction engineers, and developers are focusing on innovative solutions to minimize the construction sector’s environmental impact. This paper presents a technical and management approach system using renewable energy sources, based on an existing single-family house with known energy consumption. The aim is to achieve energy independence by relying solely on on-site electricity generation and storage, while remaining connected to water and sewage infrastructure. Utilizing renewable energy sources enhances self-sufficiency and investment profitability. The study evaluates the house’s energy consumption to optimally select electricity supply solutions, including a small wind farm and photovoltaic installation integrated with appropriate electricity storage. This is crucial due to the air heat pump used for heating and domestic hot water, which requires electricity. An hourly simulation of the system’s operation over a year verified the adequacy of the selected devices. Additionally, two different locations were analyzed to assess how varying climate and wind conditions influence the design and performance of off-grid energy systems. The analysis showed that solar and wind systems can meet annual energy demand, but limited storage capacity prevents full autonomy. Replacing the heat pump with a biomass boiler reduces electricity use by about 25% and battery needs by 40%, though seasonal energy surpluses remain a challenge. This concept aligns with the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Suggested Citation

  • Artur Jachimowski & Wojciech Luboń & Zofia Michlowicz & Dominika Dawiec & Mateusz Wygoda & Marcin Paprocki & Paweł Wyczesany & Grzegorz Pełka & Paweł Jastrzębski, 2025. "Renewable Energy Use for Conversion of Residential House into an Off-Grid Building—Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-24, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:9:p:2301-:d:1646965
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/9/2301/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/9/2301/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Grzegorz Pełka & Marta Jach-Nocoń & Marcin Paprocki & Artur Jachimowski & Wojciech Luboń & Adam Nocoń & Mateusz Wygoda & Paweł Wyczesany & Przemysław Pachytel & Tomasz Mirowski, 2023. "Comparison of Emissions and Efficiency of Two Types of Burners When Burning Wood Pellets from Different Suppliers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-18, February.
    2. Paris A. Fokaides & Rasa Apanaviciene & Jurgita Černeckiene & Andrius Jurelionis & Egle Klumbyte & Vilma Kriauciunaite-Neklejonoviene & Darius Pupeikis & Donatas Rekus & Jolanta Sadauskiene & Lina Sed, 2020. "Research Challenges and Advancements in the field of Sustainable Energy Technologies in the Built Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-20, October.
    3. Yoon, Sungmin & Lee, Jechan, 2024. "Perspective for waste upcycling-driven zero energy buildings," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 289(C).
    4. Agnieszka Biernat-Jarka & Paulina Trębska & Sławomir Jarka, 2021. "The Role of Renewable Energy Sources in Alleviating Energy Poverty in Households in Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-21, May.
    5. Bahareh Nikmehr & M. Reza Hosseini & Igor Martek & Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas & Jurgita Antucheviciene, 2021. "Digitalization as a Strategic Means of Achieving Sustainable Efficiencies in Construction Management: A Critical Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-12, April.
    6. Rasa Apanaviciene & Andrius Vanagas & Paris A. Fokaides, 2020. "Smart Building Integration into a Smart City (SBISC): Development of a New Evaluation Framework," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-19, May.
    7. Pilar Mercader-Moyano & Paula M. Esquivias, 2020. "Decarbonization and Circular Economy in the Sustainable Development and Renovation of Buildings and Neighbourhoods," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-6, September.
    8. Gokula Manikandan Senthil Kumar & Sunliang Cao, 2021. "State-of-the-Art Review of Positive Energy Building and Community Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-54, August.
    9. Shang-Yuan Chen & Chen-Yeon Chu & Ming-jen Cheng & Chiu-Yue Lin, 2009. "The Autonomous House: A Bio-Hydrogen Based Energy Self-Sufficient Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 6(4), pages 1-15, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Tiantian Gu & Shuyu Liu & Xuefan Liu & Yujia Shan & Enyang Hao & Miaomiao Niu, 2023. "Evaluation of the Smart City and Analysis of Its Spatial–Temporal Characteristics in China: A Case Study of 26 Cities in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-23, September.
    2. Wojciech Rzeźnik & Ilona Rzeźnik & Paulina Mielcarek-Bocheńska & Mateusz Urbański, 2023. "Air Pollutants Emission during Co-Combustion of Animal Manure and Wood Pellets in 15 kW Boiler," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-17, September.
    3. Piotr Gradziuk & Aleksandra Siudek & Anna M. Klepacka & Wojciech J. Florkowski & Anna Trocewicz & Iryna Skorokhod, 2022. "Heat Pump Installation in Public Buildings: Savings and Environmental Benefits in Underserved Rural Areas," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-16, October.
    4. Małgorzata Dula & Artur Kraszkiewicz & Stanisław Parafiniuk, 2024. "Combustion Efficiency of Various Forms of Solid Biofuels in Terms of Changes in the Method of Fuel Feeding into the Combustion Chamber," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-20, June.
    5. Ebrahim Navid Sadjadi, 2025. "The recovery plans at the time of COVID-19 foster the journey toward smart city development and sustainability: a narrative review," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(5), pages 9743-9771, May.
    6. Habib Sadri & Ibrahim Yitmen & Lavinia Chiara Tagliabue & Florian Westphal & Algan Tezel & Afshin Taheri & Goran Sibenik, 2023. "Integration of Blockchain and Digital Twins in the Smart Built Environment Adopting Disruptive Technologies—A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-46, February.
    7. Bjelland, David & Brozovsky, Johannes & Hrynyszyn, Bozena Dorota, 2024. "Systematic review: Upscaling energy retrofitting to the multi-building level," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    8. Blanka Tundys & Agnieszka Bretyn & Maciej Urbaniak, 2021. "Energy Poverty and Sustainable Economic Development: An Exploration of Correlations and Interdependencies in European Countries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-25, November.
    9. Alberto Bezama & Jakob Hildebrandt & Daniela Thrän, 2021. "Integrating Regionalized Socioeconomic Considerations onto Life Cycle Assessment for Evaluating Bioeconomy Value Chains: A Case Study on Hybrid Wood–Concrete Ceiling Elements," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-17, April.
    10. Spudys, Paulius & Osadcha, Iryna & Morkunaite, Lina & Manhanga, Fallon Clare & Georgali, Phoebe Zoe & Klumbyte, Egle & Jurelionis, Andrius & Papadopoulos, Agis & Fokaides, Paris, 2024. "A comparative life cycle assessment of building sustainability across typical European building geometries," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 302(C).
    11. Mohammad Javad Bidel & Hossein Safari & Hannan Amoozad Mahdiraji & Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas & Jurgita Antucheviciene, 2022. "A Framework for Project Delivery Systems via Hybrid Fuzzy Risk Analysis: Application and Extension in ICT," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 10(17), pages 1-22, September.
    12. Guanqiao Zhang & Tao Wang & Yuhan Wang & Shuai Zhang & Wenhao Lin & Zixin Dou & Haitao Du, 2023. "Study on the Influencing Factors of Digital Transformation of Construction Enterprises from the Perspective of Dual Effects—A Hybrid Approach Based on PLS-SEM and fsQCA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-22, April.
    13. Daniel Zbroński & Henryk Otwinowski & Aleksandra Górecka-Zbrońska & Dariusz Urbaniak & Tomasz Wyleciał, 2023. "Analysis of Changes in Electricity Generation from Renewable Energy Sources after Poland’s Accession to Structures of the European Union," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-16, June.
    14. Joshua Olusegun FAYOMI & Zainab Abdulqadir SANI, 2021. "The future of work in the smart city: Managing virtual work by leveraging smart cities to achieve organizational strategy," Smart Cities and Regional Development (SCRD) Journal, Smart-EDU Hub, Faculty of Public Administration, National University of Political Studies & Public Administration, vol. 5(3), pages 103-114, July.
    15. Kerry Anne London & Tanya Meade & Craig McLachlan, 2022. "Healthier Construction: Conceptualising Transformation of Mental Health Outcomes through an Integrated Supply Chain Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-13, August.
    16. Gabriel Fernando García Sánchez & Rolando Enrique Guzmán López & Roberto Alonso Gonzalez-Lezcano, 2021. "Fique as a Sustainable Material and Thermal Insulation for Buildings: Study of Its Decomposition and Thermal Conductivity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-12, July.
    17. Aleksejs Prozuments & Anatolijs Borodinecs & Diana Bajare, 2023. "Trombe Wall System’s Thermal Energy Output Analysis at a Factory Building," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-13, February.
    18. Simionescu, Mihaela & Radulescu, Magdalena & Cifuentes-Faura, Javier & Balsalobre-Lorente, Daniel, 2023. "The role of renewable energy policies in TACKLING energy poverty in the European UNION," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    19. Asuamah Yeboah, Samuel, 2024. "Navigating the Nexus: Overcoming Challenges in Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainable Building Initiatives in Developing Countries," MPRA Paper 122667, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 05 Nov 2024.
    20. Pilar Mercader-Moyano & Paula Anaya-Durán & Ana Romero-Cortés, 2021. "Eco-Efficient Ventilated Facades Based on Circular Economy for Residential Buildings as an Improvement of Energy Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-21, November.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:9:p:2301-:d:1646965. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.