Energy consumption, power generation and performance analysis of solar photovoltaic module based building roof

Abstract

Building energy intensity (BEI) of typical office buildings in Malaysia ranges from 200 to 250 kWh/m2/year, wherein a substantial portion is due to the cooling system. This study evaluates of the performance and suitability of double-laminated monocrystalline solar photovoltaic (PV) glass in comparison to traditional solar PV systems installed on roofs in Malaysian conditions. To address this aim, simulation studies have been conducted to examine the efficacy of Building Attached Photovoltaic (BAPV) and Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. Key parameters such as heat transfer across the building envelope, cooling demand, daylight utilization, and solar irradiance were analyzed. Additionally, an evaluation of economic viability, including Return on Investment (ROI) and payback period (PBP), was undertaken. Analysis showed that more heat was transferred through the roof on the BIPV building as the U-value of the solar PV glass was higher than the metal deck roof on the BAPV building. The lighting energy in the BIPV building can be saved by up to 80 % as sufficient daylight was entering the building. More than 30 % of the building area had a daylight factor of 1.0 %–3.5 %. From economic viewpoint, the double-laminated monocrystalline solar PV glass had a longer payback period as the initial capital cost was much higher even though the one-off savings and annual savings in the BIPV building were more than the BAPV building.