Numerical Evaluation of the Solar Collectors Selfshading Related to their Building Integration

Abstract

Abstract In view of the recent preoccupation at worldwide level, for the integration of the solar systems components within the building skin, we made a numerical investigation in order to assess the opportunity to implement a long string of solar panels along a horizontal or vertical building surface.The study analyses deals with the phenomenon of self-shading, which appears in the case of medium and large solar systems that use solar panels placed one behind the other, along the same row (individual string), but also under the shape of parallel rows (parallel strings). The study creates a mathematical instrument for the evaluation of the shaded surface depending on the location of the panels and the relative position of the Sun. The shading-caused energy loss is analysed along the one-year period, for each of the 12 months, while the panels are considered either placed on a horizontal surface such as a building terrace, or on a vertical surface, such as a building facade. The simulations are made for six Romanian cities located in different climatic zones, characterized by different levels of solar radiation.