•4E analysis of a building integrated photovoltaic thermal system is investigated.•The scenario is based on the variation via glass windows and PV module surface area on the outer façade.•A scenario with the highest PV module surface area with a payback time of 1.58 (years) has been suggested.•The life cycle revenue of 55,157 ($) is suggested as a feasible retrofit measure as a result of the (4E) analysis. In this research paper, energy, exergy, economic and environmental analysis of a building integrated photovoltaic thermal system is investigated. To cover the aim of the research, the impact of a system as a retrofit solution for the existing office building has been evaluated in different scenarios through various key performance indicators including generated electricity, energy and exergy efficiency, greenhouse gas emission reduction and life cycle cost. The scenario development for the analysis is based on the variation between glass windows and photovoltaic module surface area on the outer façade. According to the results of the study, a scenario with the lowest photovoltaic module and highest glass windows surface area has been suggested due to the highest energy efficiency, lowest initial investment, lowest energy consumption and emission for manufacturing. Besides, a scenario with the highest photovoltaic module and zero glass windows surface area has been suggested because of the highest lifetime generated and avoided energy and emission reduction, lowest payback time and greenhouse gas rate as well as highest life cycle revenue. In conclusion, a scenario with the highest photovoltaic module surface area with a payback time of 1.58 years and a life cycle revenue of 55,157 (USD) has been suggested as a feasible retrofit measure as a result of the energy, exergy, economic and environmental analysis.