Photovoltaic panel installation on the roof of Lisheng Building

Where should PV panels be installed?

The best placement for PV panels installation in buildings with flat roofs is the roof. When placed on a building's roof, PV panels affect the building's energy loads by shading the roof surface. However, the shading effect of PV panels could be different depending on the roof's thermal properties and surface materials.

Can PV panels be installed on a flat roof?

PV panels are vastly used for sustainable electricity generation, while they can also help the environment by improving buildings’ energy consumption. The best placement for PV panels installation in buildings with flat roofs is the roof. When placed on a building's roof, PV panels affect the building's energy loads by shading the roof surface.

Does rooftop PV panel height affect shading effect in buildings with cool-roof materials?

As it is shown, few studies have evaluated the shading effect of rooftop PV panels in buildings with cool-roof materials. Ogaili & Sailor have investigated the effect of PV panel height above the roof surface, considering three types of roof surfaces (white, black, and green).

Do rooftop PV panels affect energy consumption and thermal performance?

As the first type of the studies mentioned above, the shading effect of rooftop PV panels on energy consumption and thermal performance of buildings have been investigated in several studies. For instance, the effect of four different roofs was assessed on the building's thermal loads.

How does a roof-added PV system affect energy consumption?

Using PV panels are considered one of the main strategies to generate electricity from sun exposure. Besides energy generation, a roof-added PV system affects the building's energy consumption due to its shading effect. Shading effects would differ depending on the roof's thermal properties, climate, and PV system design.

Do PV panels affect a building's thermal performance?

As reducing the building energy load is one of the most important issues in architecture, the shading effect of PV panels is noteworthy. According to the results, adding PV panels have a noticeable effect on a building's roof thermal performance. The main findings of the study are as follow: