Building integrated photovoltaic/thermal technologies in Middle Eastern and North African countries: Current trends and future perspectives

Abstract

Statistics show that developed countries already host a significant number of building integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPV/T) systems, but developing countries, including many Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries, are rapidly catching up. Therefore, this review provides an overview of BIPV/T systems and development plans for MENA countries via (i) a region-based literature survey that specifically differentiates between MENA and non-MENA countries, and (ii) a quantitative statistical analysis of existing work from multiple different perspectives. First, the state of the art is reviewed with a focus on the available BIPV/T technologies, heat transfer media, energy storage systems, and potential installation locations on buildings. Then, various simulation and modeling techniques are critically examined from technical, economic and environmental standpoints. Current trends and future perspectives, including barriers and challenges, in different MENA countries are discussed with reference to future global energy and environmental targets, such as achieving carbon neutrality. Finally, a comparison with other countries is made, revealing that analytical modeling is the most common approach. Moreover, energy analysis is found to be used more than any other type of analysis, while batteries and phase change materials are the favorites for electrical and thermal energy storage, respectively. Conducting more detailed economic and environmental assessments is suggested as a possible avenue for future work.