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Numerical study on optimal rooftop PV design for urban heat mitigation and energy demand reduction

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Listed:
  • Zhou, Wenqian
  • Li, Xiangli
  • Ju, Hengjin
  • Duanmu, Lin
  • Zheng, Shu

Abstract

Urban building photovoltaic (PV) technologies are playing an increasingly significant role in changing the urban thermal climate and providing the electricity for buildings. However, the limitations of current numerical tools constrain research on climate-resilient and energy-friendly urban PV applications. This paper proposed a modified Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model by incorporating three rooftop PV modules and validated their accuracy. The proposed model, combined with orthogonal experiments, comprehensively analyses the impact of three key factors—PV albedo, installation form, and rooftop PV coverage fraction—on outdoor air temperature and electricity offset percentage (EOPPV) in time and space perspectives. The results indicate that rooftop PVs effectively mitigate urban high temperatures, with cooling effects of 1.3 °C in hot weather and 2.0 °C in areas with high-density buildings. The EOPPV remains relatively stable, varying by only 1.0 % during the simulation period, while it fluctuates significantly across districts, reaching 49.5 % in areas characterized by large low-rise buildings. The comparison of PV benefits in urban climate resilience and building energy balance suggested tailored rooftop PV design schemes for each region in Dalian. The methodologies and insights derived from this study contribute to advancing research on rooftop PV development in other urban contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhou, Wenqian & Li, Xiangli & Ju, Hengjin & Duanmu, Lin & Zheng, Shu, 2026. "Numerical study on optimal rooftop PV design for urban heat mitigation and energy demand reduction," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PD).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pd:s0960148125018774
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124213
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    References listed on IDEAS

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