The energy performance of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) by determination of optimal building envelope

Building form and envelope surfaces play a significant role in energy performance assessment and the generated energy potential of the building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) concept in early-stage design. To increase the energy efficiency level, form factor (FF) is proposed as a helpful tool that provides a strong relationship between the exposed surface areas and the treated floor area (TFA). This research aims to develop a methodology for a parametric study to determine the related balance between the TFA and the required BIPV area in the form enclosure to meet specific primary energy demand (SPED) according to the international Passive House standard (PHS). Therefore, various form types, including square, rectangle, L, and T shapes, derived from four modular cubes, are classified based on the same FF. Optimal form selection per group is conducted through BIPV potential evaluation for the exposed surfaces in six different orientations separately. Thereafter, the BIPV efficiency level for the optimized forms is examined using its utilization factor and coverage index scenarios based on the façade and roof combination priorities. The results indicate that the generated energy sufficiency is affected by the form configuration and its orientation. Additionally, the optimal BIPV-based FF value of 0.71 implies the priority of roof-based scenarios for less BIPV utilization. Finally, the correlation value for the BIPV coverage index relative to the total envelope for the optimal forms and orientation is higher than 0.92, which can be extended to other forms in different locations as an assessment model. •BIPV energy performance of various form types is analyzed based on the same Form Factor.•Enough distance is applied for detached forms to avoid the shading effect.•Specific primary energy demand is according to the Passive House Standard (PHS).•BIPV Form Factor plays significant role in BIPV performance determination.•High R2 value of BIPV Coverage Index confirms the high reliability of TFA and FF tools.