Photovoltaics for Buildings: New Applications and Lessons Learned: Preprint

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

Abstract

Photovoltaics (PV) for buildings system applications are experiencing exponential growth. This increased activity is the result of building owners becoming more confident with this new technology, designers becoming more comfortable incorporating PV into architectural and building electrical designs, decreasing PV system cost, the heightened public awareness of depleting conventional energyresources, and issues related to power reliability and stability. Usually, these systems meet primary objectives to offset building electrical loads, decrease building electrical demand, or provide continuous power supply during utility grid outages; but because of design flaws, installation errors, or improper maintenance, these systems can perform below the design expectations.; Currently, theperformance of the PV systems integrated into the designs of three high-performance commercial buildings is under close observation. The rated capacities of these systems range from 7 kWp to 60 kWp. Two systems are roof-mounted systems and one is a roof-integrated system. These systems provide power to a classroom/laboratory building, a national park visitor center, and a retail store. Thispaper discusses experiences with these PV systems on commercial buildings and presents energy performance and solutions to resolve design and operation issues.
Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages17
StatePublished - 2002
EventAmerican Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings - Pacific Grove, California
Duration: 18 Aug 200223 Aug 2002

Conference

ConferenceAmerican Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings
CityPacific Grove, California
Period18/08/0223/08/02

Bibliographical note

Prepared for the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, 18-23 August 2002, Pacific Grove, California

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/CP-550-32158

Keywords

  • buildings
  • photovoltaics (PV)
  • renewable energy (RE)
  • whole-building design process

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