journal article·2024-02-21Open access

Application of Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Technologies in Buildings: A Mini-Review

Hua Xiao, Wenjin Lai, Aiguo Chen, Shini Lai, Wenjing He, Xi Deng, Chao Zhang, Hongyun Ren

Coatings· Volume 14· Issue 3

Abstract

Buildings account for a significant proportion of total energy consumption. The integration of renewable energy sources is essential to reducing energy demand and achieve sustainable building design. The use of solar energy has great potential for promoting energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of energy consumption in buildings. This study examines the applications of photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies in the field of architecture, demonstrating the huge potential of solar energy in building applications. To ensure a fresh and thorough review, we examine literature that encompasses the advancements made in the utilization of solar energy in buildings over the past decade. The key factors to consider in this study are reliability, performance, cost and aesthetics in real applications of photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies in the field of architecture, which have a significant impact on people’s acceptance of solar energy technology. Recent developments in feasible and effective optimization solutions for solar energy technologies are summarized. Accurate and convenient simulation techniques are also summarized for reference. The results show that the rapid progress of BIPV systems is fueled by advancements in three crucial areas: enhancing solar cell and module efficiency, reducing manufacturing costs and achieving a competitive levelized cost of electricity. The results can provide researchers with a reference for understanding recent technological developments in the integration of solar energy into buildings.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems · Building Energy and Comfort Optimization · Solar Radiation and Photovoltaics

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Guangzhou Maritime University, Guangzhou 510725, China

School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China

School of Energy Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Guangzhou 510640, China

School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China

Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China

Peking University Science and Technology Park (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510440, China

Funding

Scientific Research Capacity Improvement Project of Key Construction Discipline of Guangdong Province · 2023 Basic and Applied Basic Research Project of Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology · Education Science Research Project of China Association of Transportation Education for 2022–2024 · Featured Educational Reform Project

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