Assessment of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Panels on Facades of Commercial Buildings with Respect to Energy Conservation Building Code

Abstract

The formulation of the paper considered the need for adapting to renewable resources in fast-growing world. The integration of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) panels will minimize the environment damage, climate change, and resource shortages. The BIPV system implemented on the facade is one of the suitable solutions to increase the building performance using the on-site renewable resource with a reduced impact on the surroundings. The methodology introduced in this paper is carried out by using Design Builder software initially, which provides an understanding of the PV energy produced to achieve 3% renewable energy in a modelled commercial building of 20,000 m2 according to the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) while placed in a moderate climatic zone. This paper aims at studying various approaches to further enhance the energy production of the modelled building after attaining the ECBC minimum requirement. PVGIS system is used to assess parameters such as PV technology used, integration of the panels, system loss, year to year variability, tilt angles of the panels. Further, shadow analysis of the optimal angle to maximize energy production is analysed. A comparative study between the modelled building and the PVGIS system on the panel cost and payback period is conducted. Based on the optimum tilt and azimuth angles, shadow analysis and daylighting analysis is carried out. The paper provides an understanding of the optimal integration style of the BIPV panels on the building facade.