How many types of commercial buildings can use solar PV?

Four types of commercial buildings have been examined for five orientations. 19 types of restrictions towards rooftop application of PV have been identified. Utilization factor of building roofs has been found to range between 0.45 and 0.52. Solar PV is one of the most successful renewable energy technologies being used in buildings.

How can solar PV improve sustainability in the building sector?

Solar PV is playing a crucial role in improving the sustainability in the buildign sector. PV, however, like wind power, has low power density. Availability of area can therefore be a bottleneck in the application of PV in the building sector. Understanding of roof coditions can better help at the planning phase of PV systems.

What is solar photovoltaic (PV)?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is one of the most successfully used renewables technology in the building sector around the world . The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has a building sector with heavy energy and environmental footprint .

What is PV potential in a building?

The PV potential in a building is a function of the net area available for PV installation (PVA). The assessment of PV potential in buildings typically starts with the estimation of available roof areas. In many countries, building roof data is not available, and the same is the case with KSA.

Can policy intervention improve the prospects of PV application in commercial buildings?

Policy intervention especially at the design stage of buildings can improve the prospects of PV application in commercial buildings. The findings of the work can be applicable to other developing countries with unregulated roof conditions.

What are the restrictions on rooftop application of solar PV?

19 types of restrictions towards rooftop application of PV have been identified. Utilization factor of building roofs has been found to range between 0.45 and 0.52. Solar PV is one of the most successful renewable energy technologies being used in buildings. Buildings however pose different types of hurdles towards their utilisability for PV.