Modeling energy savings from building insulation in SAM

Hello,I would like to ask if it is possible to model an energy efficiency project in SAM that is based on building insulation with nanomaterials (e.g., nano-based reflective paints). The goal of the project is to evaluate the reduction in building energy consumption (cooling/heating demand) and then perform an economic analysis (payback period, NPV, IRR, etc.) of such insulation measures.Since SAM is primarily designed for renewable energy systems (PV, wind, CSP, etc.), I am not sure whether it can also be adapted for projects where the benefit is expressed as energy savings (avoided consumption) instead of direct electricity generation.Could you please let me know if SAM can be used for this kind of analysis, or if there is a recommended workflow (e.g., using the Generic System model or other modules) to represent energy efficiency projects like building insulation?Thank you in advance for your guidance.Best regards,
Samin

Hi Samin,

As you noted, SAM is primarily a model for power generation systems.

SAM can model behind-the-meter (BTM) projects that generate electricity for a building or facility. The building or facility's electricity consumption is represented by a time-series (hourly or subhourly) load profile that you provide on the Electricity Load page. To model a BTM project, choose the Residential, Commercial, or Third-party Ownership Host/Developer financial model.

You could model building efficiency measures by developing a load profile for the building with and without the efficiency measures, and the run SAM twice (once with each load profile as input) to see how the efficiency measures impact metrics like NPV.

This approach assumes that there is some kind of on-site power generation, and that the building is connected to the grid. It is not possilbe to only model the building's electricity consumption without a power generation system.

Best regards,
Paul.