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Application of PV on Commercial Building Facades: An Investigation into the Impact of Architectural and Structural Features

Author

Listed:
  • Belal Ghaleb

    (Architectural Engineering and Construction Management, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Muhammad Imran Khan

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al-Khobar 34218, Saudi Arabia)

  • Muhammad Asif

    (Architectural Engineering and Construction Management, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
    IRC for Sustainable Energy Systems, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

The rapid global transition toward renewable energy necessitates innovative solar PV deployment strategies beyond conventional roof installations. In this context, commercial building facades represent an expansive yet underutilized resource for solar energy harvesting in urban areas. However, existing studies on commercial rooftop solar PV predominantly focus on European contexts, neglecting the unique design constraints and performance trade-offs present in regions such as the Middle East. This study addresses this gap by specifically investigating the impact of architectural and structural features on the utilizable facade area for PV deployment in commercial buildings within the hot desert climate of Saudi Arabia. Detailed case studies of twelve representative buildings are conducted, combining architectural drawing analysis, on-site measurements, and stakeholder surveys. The methodology identified sixteen parameters across three categories—facade functionality, orientation suitability, and surrounding obstructions—that impose technical and non-technical restrictions on photovoltaic integration 3D modeling, and irradiance simulations revealed that, on average, just 31% of the total vertical facade area remained suitable for PV systems after accounting for the diverse architectural and contextual limitations. The study considered 698 kWh/m 2 of solar irradiance as the minimum threshold for PV integration. Shopping malls displayed the lowest utilizability, with near-zero potential, as extensive opaque construction, brand signage, and shading diminish viability. Offices exhibited the highest utilizability of 36%, owing to glazed facades and unobstructed surroundings. Hotels and hospitals presented intermediate potential. Overall, the average facade utilizability factor across buildings was a mere 16%, highlighting the significant hurdles imposed by contemporary envelope configurations. Orientation unsuitability further eliminated 12% of the initially viable area. Surrounding shading contributed an additional 0.92% loss. The results quantify the sensitivity of facades to aspects such as material choices, geometric complexity, building form, and urban context. While posing challenges, the building facade resource holds immense untapped potential for solar-based urban renewal. The study highlights the need for early architectural integration, facade-specific PV product development, and urban planning interventions to maximize the renewable energy potential of commercial facades as our cities rapidly evolve into smart solar energy landscapes.

Suggested Citation

  • Belal Ghaleb & Muhammad Imran Khan & Muhammad Asif, 2024. "Application of PV on Commercial Building Facades: An Investigation into the Impact of Architectural and Structural Features," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:20:p:9095-:d:1502868
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Radmehr, Mehrshad & Willis, Ken & Kenechi, Ugo Elinwa, 2014. "A framework for evaluating WTP for BIPV in residential housing design in developing countries: A case study of North Cyprus," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 207-216.
    2. Ghaleb, Belal & Asif, Muhammad, 2022. "Assessment of solar PV potential in commercial buildings," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 618-630.
    3. Muhammad Imran Khan & Dana I. Al Huneidi & Faisal Asfand & Sami G. Al-Ghamdi, 2023. "Climate Change Implications for Optimal Sizing of Residential Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Qatar," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-17, December.
    4. Agathokleous, Rafaela A. & Kalogirou, Soteris A., 2020. "Status, barriers and perspectives of building integrated photovoltaic systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
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