Thermal, daylight, and energy potential of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems: A comprehensive review of effects and developments

Abstract

According to energy consumption data of the European Union, buildings account for 40 % of overall energy consumption in all sectors. The rise in building energy demand seriously affects global warming. To reduce demand, buildings must be designed to be energy-efficient. As part of energy-efficiency initiatives, unique systems that employ renewable energy sources should be implemented in buildings. As a new technology, building-integrated photovoltaics is considered an essential technology to achieve this target. Several variables affect the thermal, daylight, and energy performance of building-integrated photovoltaic systems; related to environmental and photovoltaic-related parameters. Thus, the challenges and effects of these variables on the overall performance of these systems should be investigated. This research analyzes building-integrated photovoltaic implemented studies and presents a state-of-art review of recent developments. The study not only summarizes the existing studies developed in this field so far but also analyzes the variables and makes concrete generalizations and inferences. It enables finding gaps and deficiencies in the literature and provides a better understanding of all the variables that affect the performance of building-integrated photovoltaic systems by interpreting the results in detail and representing them graphically instead of only through textual analysis. Results show that building-integrated photovoltaics contribute to constructing a sustainable future for cities. Developments in this industry motivate researchers in this field, whose work will make it easier to cope with future ecological challenges. It helps to build a more sustainable future for society. With new developments, it will be possible to mitigate the effects of future environmental problems.