Performance Analysis of PV Systems in the Built Environment: a Case Study from a High Rise Building

Abstract

Worldwide energy consumption and the related GHG emissions have a significant environmental impact, and 33% come from the residential sector. Research is focusing on energy efficient buildings that produce renewable energy for their self-sufficiency using BIPV systems. The work investigates the performance of the case study, where PV modules have been installed on roof, walls and balconies, having different characteristics. In order to perform this analysis, a program has been coded using MS Access, a DBMS where code is written in Visual Basic and SQL and data are stored into relational DB. The program automatically recognizes data and, through a Graphical User Interface where data can be filtered or grouped, it creates a new Excel file with the results. The analysis has been divided into sections, each considering an aspect of the PV system. As a result, the most performing modules are positioned on the left side façade of the building (looking from the front), which is facing South-West, followed by modules placed on the installed roof pergola, both vertical and tilted, that is facing South-East.