A Holistic Approach for Design and Assessment of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics Systems

Abstract

This article addresses the application of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems through the analysis of a case study with different operating conditions and geospatial locations. The research is carried out with customer-made photovoltaic modules supported by computational aids. The results obtained from real-life BIPV installation are contrasted, simulated, and improved through different scenarios where aspects such as software deviation, shadowing influence, installed capacity, and project profitability are analyzed to establish viability pathways for BIPV projects. As a result, the most relevant factors to improve the technical and economic conditions of the BIPV system are the total capacity installed, the use of the available area, and the strategic location of the modules to avoid shading surfaces. In this way, this work addresses the analysis of BIPV systems through the assessment of a case study implemented in a real residential structure in Colombia. The proposed methodology includes simulations to evaluate the solar energy potential considering the elements in the neighborhood of the BIPV system and technical aspects, such as the wiring and power interface, an economical study to find the feasibility of the project, and an analysis of different operating scenarios. As a result, the most important factors that affect the operation of BIPV systems under Colombian weather conditions were identified: total installed capacity, use of the available area, and strategic location of the modules to avoid shading surfaces. Such factors can then be considered in the early stage of designing for future BIPV applications.

A Diffuse Analysis Based on Analytical Processes to Prioritize Barriers in the Development of Renewable Energy Technologies in Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Evidence from Guajira/Colombia

“…This particular phenomenon allows the country to develop solar solutions and farms or solar parks that produce energy year-round more efficiently than countries experiencing different seasons (Opperman et al, 2023). In second place the country depends on the exploitation and transformation of fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal), however, thanks to its natural wealth and privileged location, the country can become a key player in the development and application of alternative technologies to solve the global energy crisis and, at the same time, address the national energy crisis and help protect the environment (Restrepo-Herrera et al, 2023). In the policy developed by the Colombian government for the national production of renewable energies, solutions such as the automatic exclusion of the "VAT" tax on solar infrastructure; Deduction of income tax of 50% for 15 years for investments in infrastructure to finance and obligation of marketers to acquire this energy from 8 to 10%.…”

Operation evaluation of BIPV public building photovoltaic system based on data analysis: case study on a high-speed railway station

“…In this current paper, theoretical, simulated and actual electricity generation data are compared and analysed to conduct operation evaluation of the BIPV system [10] and quantify the economic and social benefits brought by the BIPV system.…”

A Comparative Analysis on Different Techniques for Improving the PV System Performance Subjected to Variant Solar Irradiance

“…Solar energy, in particular, is considered one of the best solutions due to its availability throughout the year at a high expectation rate, and it is not tied to a specific place, such as tidal energy and hydroelectric power [5,6]. It also has the ability to be built in small systems that are integrable with residential homes [7,8]. As well as the possibility of building large stations in Giga Watts [9].…”