San Pedro

Vacuum insulation panels are still very expensive and although prices could decrease over time as this technology widespread, but prices will never be as low as for other technologies such as XPS, mineral wool or EPS; so this fact limits applications.

In addition, residents should be aware of the vacuum insulation and not drill holes to hang elements on the walls, instead using double sided tape.

Concerning active technologies, the provision of space to host batteries, inverters, connection boxes and controls is also a limiting factor for renovation as technical rooms in old buildings might not be big enough to host all previously mentioned elements.

Balconies that provide shading during summer are an adaptation to the culture and climate.

Because of the fact that the renovation was part of an Horizon 2020 project, we counted on the experts from the University of the Basque Country and VITO to conduct LCA detailed assessment, but for commercial applications there is a number of LCA software available on the market.

Energy simulations were carried out by architects and engineers involved in the project.

Therm and Aster software was used.

As injecting electricity generated to the grid is not incentivized as prices paid are extremely low, a reliable energy simulation taking into account different consumption patterns and energy generation for a year-round period is necessary to optimize the size of electricity storage.

Energy simulations should consider electrical and thermal systems as thermal storage and building inertia as those might lower reliance on electricity storage.

To minimize the gap between users and technologies, a solution could be providing an interface in which you can drop a recommendation to a specific user.

To manage and achieve an annual positive energy balance with the utility grid.

Static share coefficients that should be submitted to DSO in advance.

Lack of regulation concerning where to install lithium batteries and fire codes also lacking requirements.