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Quantitative Evaluation of BIPV Visual Impact in Building Retrofits Using Saliency Models

Author

Listed:
  • Ran Xu

    (Hochschule Luzern, Competence Centre Envelopes and Solar Energy, Technikumstrasse 21, Horw 6048, Switzerland)

  • Stephen Wittkopf

    (Hochschule Luzern, Competence Centre Envelopes and Solar Energy, Technikumstrasse 21, Horw 6048, Switzerland)

  • Christian Roeske

    (Hochschule Luzern, Competence Centre Envelopes and Solar Energy, Technikumstrasse 21, Horw 6048, Switzerland)

Abstract

BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) integration in urban spaces requires, not only careful technical, but also aesthetic considerations as its visual impact is seen as a kind of environmental effect. To manage this effect, different methods were developed to measure it; however, most existing evaluation methods are either based on subjective speculations and have no continuous criteria standards, or they do not show much relevance to neuropsychological findings. This paper presents an alternative and complementary method for evaluating the BIPV visual impact using the saliency method with an objective, quantitative and neuropsychological-based approach. The application of the method was tested and is discussed in the context of an example case study in Switzerland. Several different BIPV designs were developed for the case study, purposely in ways that made it difficult to rank their visual impacts with one’s subjective instinct. Using the proposed saliency method; however, the differences in BIPV visual impact across all designs could be identified, demonstrated and calculated sensitively. Potential applications of this proposed method include being a helping tool in deciding which BIPV design causes the least or most visual impact among others. Additionally, when combined with solar cadaster, the method enables a comprehensive estimation of BIPV potential in urban areas from both technical and societal aspects.

Suggested Citation

  • Ran Xu & Stephen Wittkopf & Christian Roeske, 2017. "Quantitative Evaluation of BIPV Visual Impact in Building Retrofits Using Saliency Models," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:10:y:2017:i:5:p:668-:d:98163
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    1. Fernandez-Jimenez, L. Alfredo & Mendoza-Villena, Montserrat & Zorzano-Santamaria, Pedro & Garcia-Garrido, Eduardo & Lara-Santillan, Pedro & Zorzano-Alba, Enrique & Falces, Alberto, 2015. "Site selection for new PV power plants based on their observability," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 7-15.
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    Cited by:

    1. Flavio Rosa, 2020. "Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) in Historical Buildings: Opportunities and Constraints," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-28, July.
    2. Cristina S. Polo López & Floriana Troia & Francesco Nocera, 2021. "Photovoltaic BIPV Systems and Architectural Heritage: New Balance between Conservation and Transformation. An Assessment Method for Heritage Values Compatibility and Energy Benefits of Interventions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-31, May.
    3. Núria Sánchez-Pantoja & Rosario Vidal & M. Carmen Pastor, 2021. "EU-Funded Projects with Actual Implementation of Renewable Energies in Cities. Analysis of Their Concern for Aesthetic Impact," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-24, March.
    4. Agnieszka Bieda & Agnieszka Cienciała, 2021. "Towards a Renewable Energy Source Cadastre—A Review of Examples from around the World," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-34, December.
    5. Alessandra Scognamiglio, 2021. "A Trans-Disciplinary Vocabulary for Assessing the Visual Performance of BIPV," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-38, May.
    6. Jaewook Lee & Jeongsu Park & Hyung-Jo Jung & Jiyoung Park, 2017. "Renewable Energy Potential by the Application of a Building Integrated Photovoltaic and Wind Turbine System in Global Urban Areas," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-20, December.
    7. Gwangbin Kim & Dohyeon Yeo & Jieun Lee & SeungJun Kim, 2023. "Simulating Urban Element Design with Pedestrian Attention: Visual Saliency as Aid for More Visible Wayfinding Design," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-25, February.
    8. L. Alfredo Fernandez-Jimenez & Montserrat Mendoza-Villena & Eduardo Garcia-Garrido & Pedro M. Lara-Santillan & Pedro J. Zorzano-Santamaria & Enrique Zorzano-Alba & Alberto Falces, 2017. "High Voltage Overhead Power Line Routing under an Objective Observability Criterion," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-13, October.
    9. Sánchez-Pantoja, Núria & Vidal, Rosario & Pastor, M. Carmen, 2018. "Aesthetic impact of solar energy systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 227-238.

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