Energy Savings Potential of Semitransparent Photovoltaic Skylights under Different Climate Conditions in China

Abstract

Due to the limited available envelope area, height-constrained buildings integrated with photovoltaics require that more attention be given to the effective use of roofs. Thus, it is crucial to study the energy savings potential of previously neglected semitransparent photovoltaic (STPV) skylights. In this paper, the net energy consumption (NEC) of a room with STPV skylights and energy superiority compared to a reference window were investigated. The energy savings potential was then calculated for five representative cases located in different climate zones and daylight zones, according to the mandatory codes to be implemented in April 2022. Through a global sensitivity analysis, the extent to which each component of the NEC affects the energy savings potential was evaluated. The results indicate that STPV skylights exhibit promising energy savings potential in China. In temperate zones with excellent daylight conditions, an energy savings potential of 0.21 to 2.55 can be achieved, while the maximum energy savings rate (ESR) for the other four cases ranges from 0.52 to 1.1. The effect of electricity power generation (EPG) on the energy savings potential is most pronounced, except for that of STPV skylights on sloped roofs in hot summer and cold winter zones with poor daylight.