IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v18y2025i3p541-d1576144.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

The Assessment of Electricity Self-Sufficiency Potential of Facade-Applied Photovoltaic Systems Based on Design Scenarios: A Case Study of an Apartment Complex in the Republic of Korea

Author

Listed:
  • Hyomun Lee

    (Department of Architecture Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea)

  • Tien Nhat Tran

    (Department of Architecture Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea)

  • Ruda Lee

    (Department of Architecture Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea)

  • Dongsu Kim

    (Department of Architecture Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea)

  • Hyunkyu Choi

    (Metropolitan Architecture of Choi and Kang, Sejong-si 30127, Republic of Korea)

  • Jongho Yoon

    (Department of Architecture Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

The performance of facade-applied photovoltaic (FPV) systems in high-rise apartment complexes varies based on the height and layout of the buildings, influencing the overall energy efficiency of the complex. This study assesses the potential of FPV systems to achieve electricity self-sufficiency in apartment complexes. Focusing on a single apartment complex in Seoul, South Korea, the geometry and layout of each building are used to estimate electricity consumption and assess the impact of FPV systems. The electricity consumption of the apartment complex was estimated based on the electricity energy use intensity derived from the analysis of public data and the gross floor area of the apartment complex, yielding an annual electricity consumption of 1803.7 MWh. Two types of photovoltaic (PV) systems were considered: rooftop-mounted photovoltaic (RFPV) systems and FPV systems installed on the south-facing facades of buildings. Three FPV design scenarios were examined (Scenario A: full facade coverage; Scenario B: horizontal-only installation; Scenario C: vertical-only installation), with no design variations for the RFPV system. The RFPV system was estimated to contribute 30.7% (553.8 MWh/yr) of the complex’s electricity consumption. The remaining electricity consumption, 1249.9 MWh/yr, is met by the FPV systems, with self-sufficiency rates under the three FPV design scenarios found to be 83.3% for Scenario A, 33.6% for Scenario B, and 64.6% for Scenario C. These findings highlight the need for additional PV installations or the incorporation of other renewable energy technologies to achieve full electricity self-sufficiency. This study provides a foundational model for applying PV systems to high-rise apartment complexes, offering insights for further research and real-world implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Hyomun Lee & Tien Nhat Tran & Ruda Lee & Dongsu Kim & Hyunkyu Choi & Jongho Yoon, 2025. "The Assessment of Electricity Self-Sufficiency Potential of Facade-Applied Photovoltaic Systems Based on Design Scenarios: A Case Study of an Apartment Complex in the Republic of Korea," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:3:p:541-:d:1576144
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/3/541/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/3/541/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mangkuto, Rizki A. & Rohmah, Mardliyahtur & Asri, Anindya Dian, 2016. "Design optimisation for window size, orientation, and wall reflectance with regard to various daylight metrics and lighting energy demand: A case study of buildings in the tropics," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 211-219.
    2. Shaik, Saboor & Maduru, Venkata Ramana & Kontoleon, Karolos J. & Arıcı, Müslüm & Gorantla, Kirankumar & Afzal, Asif, 2022. "Building glass retrofitting strategies in hot and dry climates: Cost savings on cooling, diurnal lighting, color rendering, and payback timeframes," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).
    3. Guo, Xiaopeng & Dong, Yining & Ren, Dongfang, 2023. "CO2 emission reduction effect of photovoltaic industry through 2060 in China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 269(C).
    4. Lee, Hyo Mun & Yoon, Jong Ho, 2018. "Power performance analysis of a transparent DSSC BIPV window based on 2 year measurement data in a full-scale mock-up," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C), pages 1013-1021.
    5. Chung, Mo & Park, Hwa-Choon, 2012. "Building energy demand patterns for department stores in Korea," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 90(1), pages 241-249.
    6. Kyung-Woo Lee & Hyo-Mun Lee & Ru-Da Lee & Dong-Su Kim & Jong-Ho Yoon, 2021. "The Impact of Cracks in BIPV Modules on Power Outputs: A Case Study Based on Measured and Simulated Data," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-17, February.
    7. Koo, Choongwan & Hong, Taehoon & Jeong, Kwangbok & Ban, Cheolwoo & Oh, Jeongyoon, 2017. "Development of the smart photovoltaic system blind and its impact on net-zero energy solar buildings using technical-economic-political analyses," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 382-396.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Yu, Guoqing & Yang, Hongxing & Luo, Daina & Cheng, Xu & Ansah, Mark Kyeredey, 2021. "A review on developments and researches of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) windows and shading blinds," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    2. Vassiliades, C. & Agathokleous, R. & Barone, G. & Forzano, C. & Giuzio, G.F. & Palombo, A. & Buonomano, A. & Kalogirou, S., 2022. "Building integration of active solar energy systems: A review of geometrical and architectural characteristics," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    3. Ascione, Fabrizio & De Masi, Rosa Francesca & de Rossi, Filippo & Ruggiero, Silvia & Vanoli, Giuseppe Peter, 2016. "Optimization of building envelope design for nZEBs in Mediterranean climate: Performance analysis of residential case study," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C), pages 938-957.
    4. Halil Alibaba, 2016. "Determination of Optimum Window to External Wall Ratio for Offices in a Hot and Humid Climate," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(2), pages 1-21, February.
    5. Ma, Tao & Li, Meng & Kazemian, Arash, 2020. "Photovoltaic thermal module and solar thermal collector connected in series to produce electricity and high-grade heat simultaneously," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 261(C).
    6. Seok-Hyun Kim & Hakgeun Jeong & Soo Cho, 2019. "A Study on Changes of Window Thermal Performance by Analysis of Physical Test Results in Korea," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-17, October.
    7. La Notte, Luca & Giordano, Lorena & Calabrò, Emanuele & Bedini, Roberto & Colla, Giuseppe & Puglisi, Giovanni & Reale, Andrea, 2020. "Hybrid and organic photovoltaics for greenhouse applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 278(C).
    8. D’Adamo, Idiano & Falcone, Pasquale Marcello & Gastaldi, Massimo & Morone, Piergiuseppe, 2020. "The economic viability of photovoltaic systems in public buildings: Evidence from Italy," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).
    9. Aniela Kaminska, 2020. "Impact of Building Orientation on Daylight Availability and Energy Savings Potential in an Academic Classroom," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-17, September.
    10. Jingbing Sun & Youmu Xie & Sheng Zhou & Jiali Dan, 2024. "RETRACTED ARTICLE: The role of solar energy in achieving net-zero emission and green growth: a global analysis," Economic Change and Restructuring, Springer, vol. 57(2), pages 1-16, April.
    11. Sun, Yanyi & Liang, Runqi & Wu, Yupeng & Wilson, Robin & Rutherford, Peter, 2017. "Development of a comprehensive method to analyse glazing systems with Parallel Slat Transparent Insulation material (PS-TIM)," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 951-963.
    12. Kaishu Luo & Min Li & Xinjie Wang & Yi Fan & Jinhui Zhao, 2024. "Biomass Resources and Emission Reduction Potential of Agricultural and Livestock Residues in Mainland China from 2013 to 2022," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-16, July.
    13. Kyung-Woo Lee & Hyo-Mun Lee & Ru-Da Lee & Dong-Su Kim & Jong-Ho Yoon, 2021. "The Impact of Cracks in BIPV Modules on Power Outputs: A Case Study Based on Measured and Simulated Data," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-17, February.
    14. Abdelsamie, Mostafa M. & Ali, Kabbir & Hassan Ali, Mohamed I., 2025. "Enhancing building efficiency: Multifunctional glazing windows with integrated semitransparent PV and selective liquid-filters," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 377(PD).
    15. Pilechiha, Peiman & Mahdavinejad, Mohammadjavad & Pour Rahimian, Farzad & Carnemolla, Phillippa & Seyedzadeh, Saleh, 2020. "Multi-objective optimisation framework for designing office windows: quality of view, daylight and energy efficiency," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 261(C).
    16. Jeongyoon Oh & Taehoon Hong & Hakpyeong Kim & Jongbaek An & Kwangbok Jeong & Choongwan Koo, 2017. "Advanced Strategies for Net-Zero Energy Building: Focused on the Early Phase and Usage Phase of a Building’s Life Cycle," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-52, December.
    17. Yuan Li & Paul P. J. Gaffney & Fang Zhao & Xiangbo Xu & Mingbo Zhang, 2024. "Application of Life Cycle Assessment to Policy Environmental Impact Assessment—A Clean Energy Action Plan Case Study in Qinghai Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-21, December.
    18. Rafati, Amir & Joorabian, Mahmood & Mashhour, Elaheh & Shaker, Hamid Reza, 2021. "High dimensional very short-term solar power forecasting based on a data-driven heuristic method," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 219(C).
    19. Yuan Fang & Soolyeon Cho & Yanyu Wang & Luya He, 2023. "Sensitivity Analysis and Multi-Objective Optimization of Skylight Design in the Early Design Stage," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-18, December.
    20. Lim, Jae-Han & Song, Jin-Hee & Song, Seung-Yeong, 2014. "Development of operational guidelines for thermally activated building system according to heating and cooling load characteristics," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 123-135.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:3:p:541-:d:1576144. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.