In the quest for sustainable urban living, a groundbreaking study led by Mohammad Hassan Shahverdian from the K.N. Toosi University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, has shed new light on the future of energy-efficient buildings. Published in the journal ‘Buildings’, the research delves into the comparative analysis of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and a hybrid combination of both. The findings could revolutionize how we think about energy production in urban environments, offering a roadmap for developers, policymakers, and investors alike.
Shahverdian and his team focused on a residential building in Kerman, Iran, a region with abundant solar energy potential but relatively unexplored in the context of PV integration. The study evaluated three energy generation systems: standalone rooftop PV, standalone BIPV, and a hybrid system that combines both. The results are compelling, revealing that while rooftop PV is the most cost-effective solution with the lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) at USD 0.023/kWh, it may not fully optimize a building’s available surface area for energy production, especially in high-density urban settings.
“Rooftop PV is straightforward and cost-effective, but it doesn’t always make the most of the building’s surface,” Shahverdian explained. “BIPV, on the other hand, offers a more innovative approach by integrating solar panels into the building’s facade, enhancing both aesthetics and energy efficiency.”
However, BIPV comes with a higher LCOE of USD 0.077/kWh due to additional installation complexities and material costs. Despite this, BIPV provides valuable benefits in terms of thermal insulation, shading, and improved urban energy efficiency.
The hybrid PV system, which integrates both rooftop PV and BIPV, strikes a balance between energy efficiency and economic feasibility. With an LCOE of USD 0.05/kWh, the hybrid system leverages the advantages of both technologies, increasing total energy generation to 16.2 MWh annually. This significantly improves energy reliability and self-sufficiency, making buildings less dependent on grid electricity.
Environmentally, the hybrid system also shines, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 9.7 tons per year. This is a substantial improvement over standalone rooftop PV (5.0 tons) and BIPV (4.7 tons) alone.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the energy sector, the findings highlight the potential of hybrid PV systems to drive down costs and increase energy production. For urban developers, the study provides a blueprint for integrating renewable energy solutions into building design, paving the way for zero-energy buildings.
“Our study shows that a hybrid approach offers the most balanced benefits in terms of cost, energy production, and environmental impact,” Shahverdian noted. “By leveraging the strengths of both rooftop and integrated PV technologies, buildings can achieve greater energy independence and sustainability.”
As cities around the world grapple with energy demands and environmental concerns, this research offers a promising path forward. The methodology and findings can serve as benchmarks for future studies, guiding investors, stakeholders, and policymakers in their quest for sustainable urban development. The insights from this research, published in ‘Buildings’ (translated from the Persian ‘Sākhthmandān’), can inform the design of future-proof buildings that maximize renewable energy utilization while ensuring economic feasibility and environmental responsibility. As the world moves towards a greener future, studies like these will be instrumental in shaping the energy landscape of tomorrow.
