Abstract This study evaluates the techno-enviro-economic feasibility of achieving Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs) across 21 Mediterranean countries using rooftop photovoltaic (PV), small wind turbines, and façade-integrated PV systems. A standardized residential building model was assessed under two scenarios: full rooftop PV and full rooftop wind, with additional south-facing façade PV applied where needed to meet net-zero demand. Building energy demand was estimated using heating and cooling degree days, while renewable energy output was simulated using EES and PVsyst based on country-specific climatic data. Results show a clear advantage for solar systems, particularly in southern countries such as Egypt, Algeria, and Libya, where PV generation reaches 261–317 MWh/year with LCOEs as low as 0. 11/kWh. Wind systems exhibit wider variability (54–337 MWh/year) and significantly higher costs. CO2 savings exceed 100, 000 kg/year in high solar regions, while façade PV becomes essential in northern countries, requiring 50–1, 200 m2 to achieve ZEB status. The study offers a decision-support tool for policy makers, investors, and engineers and supports the feasibility of ZEBs in the Mediterranean and aligns sustainability goals 13, 11, and 7.
Senyonyi et al. (Wed,) studied this question.