Techno-economic study of BIPV in typical Sahara region in Algeria

Building in urban areas in the Sahara region is confronted with two main issues: (i) the climate change and (ii) the energy consumption. In order to deal with the latest issues, experts want to focus all their efforts in the use of renewable energy, and most particularly solar energy that is widely available at the Sahara. In this work, we first analyzed the proposed works related to both environmental impact and integration of solar energy in the building. Secondly, we have accurately defined the new concept of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV), its advantage to minimize the building energy consumption, and its role to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and greenhouse effect due to fossil fuels. Thirdly, we have carried out a comprehensive survey related to benefits, techniques, and criteria affecting the energy efficiency of using BIPV and its advantages over glazing. To be clearer, we have selected as a case of study of a contemporary building covered by standard glazing and replaced by BIPV located in a Sahara region in Algeria. Moreover, the point of view of urban architectural, environmental, and energy economy, has been well investigated. As a result, using BIPV in this specific region of a hot climate has to be a dominant idea to reduce both energy consumption and economical budget.