The balance between aesthetics and performance in building-integrated photovoltaics in the tropics

ABSTRACTThis paper aims at investigating if the balance between aesthetics and performance in building‐integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems is possible to be achieved in the tropics. To accomplish this objective, three BIPV systems located in Singapore with photovoltaic (PV) systems playing an aesthetically appealing role in their architecture were analysed in detail for a 1‐year period. The systems were analysed regarding the available solar irradiation, the shading profiles and the resulting yield and performance ratio (PR) in order to compare the performance of different subsystems with variable architectural characteristics and string configurations. All systems are partially shaded in the early morning or late afternoon, a common situation inherent to BIPV systems. Results show that even with a theoretical non‐optimal combination of azimuthal deviations and tilt angles, some PV systems show better performances in terms of yield and PR than those which are installed at more ideal conditions. The high ratio of diffuse irradiation in Singapore, the distance of shading obstacles and times when shading occurs and the subsystem and string configurations strongly influence the systems performance results. With the declining costs of PV systems, BIPV can offer attractive solutions with high integration appeal, architectural sophistication and the promotion of sustainable energy supply. In the tropics, rooftop BIPV systems can perform with relatively small losses and be aesthetically appealing when compared with optimally tilted and oriented PV generators. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. • Even with a theoretically non‐optimal combination of azimuthal deviations and tilt angles, System A showed a better performance in yield and performance ratio than Systems B and C, which are installed at more ideal conditions.• An optimum string and subsystem configuration can ensure a better performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems under partial shading conditions.• In the tropics, rooftop building integrated photovoltaics systems can perform with relatively small losses when compared with optimally tilted and oriented PV generators, while offering high architectural integration appeal.