Office-commercial buildings are among the major consumers of electricity due to the continuous operation of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) and lighting systems. Increasing energy demand, rising electricity costs, and environmental concerns highlight the need for efficient and sustainable energy solutions. Integrating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with smart HVAC and lighting technologies presents a promising approach to improving energy efficiency while reducing dependence on grid electricity.
This study aimed to evaluate the projected energy efficiency improvements through a simulation-based analysis of a solar PV–integrated smart HVAC and lighting system and to assess stakeholder readiness in terms of perceived usefulness and adoption intention. Data were obtained from energy audits, building load profiles, and a structured survey questionnaire administered to building stakeholders. The study focused on: (1) analyzing baseline energy consumption and electrical load profile; (2) developing a simulation-based integrated system design; (3) determining projected energy consumption and energy savings; (4) testing the significant difference between baseline and projected energy consumption; and (5) assessing stakeholder perception and adoption intention. Weighted mean, percentage analysis, and paired sample t-test were used for data analysis.
Results revealed that the building has a total annual energy consumption of 7,929,423.80 kWh, with HVAC systems accounting for 62.35% of total usage. The proposed system, consisting of a 510 kWp solar PV installation and smart HVAC and lighting controls, is capable of generating approximately 710.991 MWh/year. Simulation results showed a projected reduction in energy consumption to 6,364,929.43 kWh, resulting in annual energy savings of 1,564,494.37 kWh or a 19.73% improvement in energy efficiency. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference between baseline and projected energy consumption (t = 58.70, p < 0.001), indicating the effectiveness of the proposed system.
Furthermore, stakeholder assessment results indicated a very high level of perceived usefulness (WM = 4.67) and adoption intention (WM = 4.68), both interpreted as “Strongly Agree.” These findings suggest strong stakeholder support for the implementation of solar PV–integrated smart building systems. Overall, the study demonstrates that integrating renewable energy and smart technologies can significantly enhance building energy performance while aligning with stakeholder readiness for adoption.