BIPV's Efficiency Boost: 4.5% Increase

• Experience the benefits of roof albedo for improved PV system efficiency and mitigate urban heat island effect with Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). A research report conducted by researchers from the University of South Wales (Australia) and Calcutta University has revealed its importance.

The report concluded that the findings of this study provide some valuable insights on the potential of roof albedo in improving PV system efficiency and mitigating urban heat island effect.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) has become an integral part of the solar energy landscape. A research report conducted by the researchers from the University of South Wales (Australia) and Calcutta University has shed light on the importance of reflective capacity of roofs (albedo) in increasing the efficiency of solar panels used in BIPV. The report claimed that increasing the albedo of the rooftop can increase the energy production of monofacial and bifacial PV modules by 0.7% and 4.55% respectively. The report also highlighted that these case studies relied on simulations, and hence, detailed experimental studies are needed to provide more accurate and valid results.

BIPV market was estimated to be valued at $14.0 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach nearly $86.7 billion by 2030. This growing adoption of rooftop PVs in densely populated urban areas holds potential in supplying a significant portion of a city’s power needs while reducing dependence on polluting conventional energy sources. The report concluded that the findings of this study provide insights on the potential of roof albedo in improving PV system efficiency and mitigating urban heat island effect.

What Impact Does Roof Albedo Have on BIPV Efficiency?

Impact of Roof Albedo on BIPV Efficiency:

• Increasing the albedo of the rooftop can increase the energy production of monofacial and bifacial PV modules by 0.7% and 4.55% respectively.
• BIPV can reduce dependence on polluting conventional energy sources, and increasing the efficiency of rooftop PV systems can help further this cause.
• Albedo is also noted to reduce urban heat island effect, thus providing energy savings through reduced air-conditioning needs and potentially reducing the need for cooling towers.
• The findings of this study are based on simulations, and therefore further experimental studies are needed to provide more accurate and valid results.
• Roof albedo can be improved by using cool roof coatings, light colored, reflective membranes, blinds or awnings and light colored roof tiles.