TECHNO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF USING PV CURTAIN WALLS IN HOT ARID ENVIRONMENTCASE STUDY; MIXED-USE BUILDING, JEDDAH, KSA

Abstract

Nowadays the world no longer has a choice to reduce the dependency of non-renewable energy resources, especially in buildings. This type of energy like fossil fuel is responsible for global warming and the climate change phenomenon. The construction industry has to depend on renewable energy to improve environmental impacts while operating the buildings. The most promising technologies for buildings are photovoltaic panels system which converts solar radiation into electricity without harming the environment. PV system is not only used as top-roof panels but also it can play an important role in the exterior building cladding and in curtain wall system as well. Building-integrated PV (BIPV) system has two functions the first is used as a façade cladding and the second is power generation for building operation. This research studies the PV curtain wall as a BIPV system and explains why this system is better than the traditional curtain wall through its environmental performance and initial, and operation costs. Based on the analysed tabulated feasibility study considering energy savings outcome and system cost, PV curtain walls proved technical, environmental and economic viability. The paper's case study in Jeddah-KSA provides a real example of how PV curtain wall application plays a fundamental role in achieving high energy performance standards as well as maximize the financial return of investment.