Design Approaches of Photovoltaic Shading Devices (PVSDs): A Systematic Review

Photovoltaic shading devices (PVSDs) are elements integrated into building facades, offering the potential to reduce building energy demand while regulating indoor daylight. However, current research remains fragmented, which makes it difficult to identify a consistent design strategy and compare outcomes across studies. Therefore, this paper aims to (1) identify the environmental objectives and metrics used to evaluate PVSDs, (2) synthesize the design approaches for fixed and movable PVSDs, and (3) highlight key limitations and research gaps that constrain current practice. The results show a strong emphasis on energy performance analysis, while daylight assessment is less applied, and discomfort glare is rarely quantified. Additionally, comparative evidence indicates that movable PVSDs do not inherently outperform fixed systems. Performance gains primarily depend on geometric configuration, operational strategy, and climate context. Moreover, in the literature, geometric optimization and operational control are frequently investigated separately, limiting the ability to manage trade-offs between energy, daylight, and glare. The review concludes that future studies should adopt more holistic methodologies that couple geometry with operational strategies, incorporate occupant-centric comfort assessment, and enable more consistent cross-study benchmarking.