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PV System Design in Different Climates: A BIM-Based Methodology

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  • Annamaria Ciccozzi

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Pontieri 1, Monteluco di Roio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Tullio de Rubeis

    (Department of Civil, Construction-Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Pontieri 1, Monteluco di Roio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Yun Ii Go

    (School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, 1, Jalan Venna P5/2, Precinct 5, Putrajaya 62200, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Malaysia)

  • Dario Ambrosini

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Pontieri 1, Monteluco di Roio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

Abstract

One of the goals of Agenda 2030 is to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. In this context, photovoltaic systems play a key role in the transition to clean energy. According to the International Energy Agency, in 2023, solar photovoltaic alone accounted for three-quarters of renewable capacity additions worldwide. Designing a performing photovoltaic system requires careful planning that takes into account various factors, both internal and external, in order to maximize energy production and optimize costs. In addition to the technical characteristics of the system (internal factors), the positions and the shapes of external buildings and surrounding obstacles (external factors) have a significant impact on the output of photovoltaic systems. However, given the complexity of these environmental factors, they cannot be treated accurately in manual design practice. For this reason, this paper proposes a Building Information Modeling-based workflow for the design of a photovoltaic system that can guide the professional step-by-step throughout the design process, starting from the embryonic phase to the definitive, and therefore more detailed, one. The developed methodology allows for an in-depth analysis of the shading, the photovoltaic potential of the building, the performance of the photovoltaic system, and the costs for its construction in order to evaluate the appropriateness of the investment. The main aim of the paper is to create a standardized procedure applicable on a large scale for photovoltaic integration within Building Information Modeling workflows. The methodology is tested on two case studies, characterized by different architectural features and geographical positions.

Suggested Citation

  • Annamaria Ciccozzi & Tullio de Rubeis & Yun Ii Go & Dario Ambrosini, 2025. "PV System Design in Different Climates: A BIM-Based Methodology," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-28, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:14:p:3866-:d:1705921
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Vicente Macas-Espinosa & Israel Portilla-Sanchez & David Gomez & Ruben Hidalgo-Leon & Julio Barzola-Monteses & Guillermo Soriano, 2025. "Assessment of the Energy Efficiency and Cost of Low-Income Housing Based on BIM Considering Material Properties and Energy Modeling in a Tropical Climate," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-33, March.
    2. Iviwe Mcingani & Edson L. Meyer & Ochuko K. Overen, 2024. "The Impact of Ambient Weather Conditions and Energy Usage Patterns on the Performance of a Domestic Off-Grid Photovoltaic System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-19, October.
    3. Rahdan, Parisa & Zeyen, Elisabeth & Gallego-Castillo, Cristobal & Victoria, Marta, 2024. "Distributed photovoltaics provides key benefits for a highly renewable European energy system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 360(C).
    4. Annamaria Ciccozzi & Tullio de Rubeis & Domenica Paoletti & Dario Ambrosini, 2023. "BIM to BEM for Building Energy Analysis: A Review of Interoperability Strategies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-45, November.
    5. Tullio De Rubeis & Annamaria Ciccozzi & Mattia Ragnoli & Vincenzo Stornelli & Stefano Brusaporci & Alessandra Tata & Dario Ambrosini, 2024. "A Workflow for a Building Information Modeling-Based Thermo-Hygrometric Digital Twin: An Experimentation in an Existing Building," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-30, November.
    6. Ochuko Kelvin Overen & Edson Leroy Meyer, 2022. "Solar Energy Resources and Photovoltaic Power Potential of an Underutilised Region: A Case of Alice, South Africa," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-29, June.
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