Integration of Photovoltaics into Gaza Strip Residential Buildings: A Comparison between Roof and Façade Installation

Abstract

Several concerns face the world nowadays in the field of energy. Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Territories, shares a great deal of these concerns considering its limited resources. One main problem in this regard is the intermittent fuel supply. This has significantly affected electricity supply and, subsequently, economical growth and people's health and safety. This paper tackles this problem form a different point of view. It considers the current interruption of electrical power as an opportunity that could be invested to encourage people to use renewable energy sources. A simple photovoltaic (PV) system has been suggested as a first step in this regard. The system is a standalone PV system that could be simply installed in residential buildings. PV panels can be installed directly on the roof or used as shading devices on the facades. The latter option has an additional environmental advantage, and makes PV panels visible, which is supposed to encourage their use in the society. It has been found that a PV area of 5 m 2 can meet the basic needs of the Palestinian family. This area captures more solar radiation when installed on the roof in a 30 o tilt angle. PV inclined installation on southern façade reduces PV exposure to solar radiation by about 15% due to the resulting shading effect.