Rooftop Solar Research Articles

Climate Change Implications for Optimal Sizing of Residential Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Qatar

Climate change poses critical challenges for Qatar’s energy-intensive residential building sector. This study evaluates the impact of projected climate warming on optimizing rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) for villas. An integrated modelling approach is employed, combining building energy simulation, PV system optimization, and performance assessment under varying climate scenarios. A typical Qatari villa is modelled in DesignBuilder and simulated under the baseline (2002) conditions and the projected years 2016, 2050, and 2100, reflecting incremental warming. Results show the villa’s annual electricity consumption will grow 22% by 2100, with summer peaks escalating to 26% driven by surging cooling demands. Techno-economic optimization in HOMER Pro (version 3.10) verifies a grid-connected rooftop PV system as optimal in all years, with capacity expanding from 7.4 kW to 8.2 kW between 2002 and 2100 to meet rising air conditioning loads. However, as temperatures increase, PV’s energy contribution declines slightly from 18% to 16% due to climate change degrading solar yields. Nonetheless, the modelled PV system maintains strong financial viability, achieving 5–8 years of paybacks across scenarios. This analysis provides empirical evidence of distributed PV’s effectiveness for Qatar’s households amidst escalating cooling consumption. However, maintaining solar mitigation potential requires evolving PV sizing methodologies and incentives to account for declining panel productivity at the country’s peak temperatures exceeding 50 °C. Overall, this study’s integrated framework evaluates residential solar PV systems’ capabilities and appropriate policy evolution under projected climate impacts for the first time in Qatar. The modelling approach and conclusions can inform building codes and pro-solar policies to accelerate adoption for emissions reduction. With villas representing over 100,000 units in Qatar, widespread rooftop PV integration can meaningfully contribute to national sustainability targets if implementation barriers are addressed considering climate change effects.

On static vs. dynamic line ratings in renewable energy zones

Scaling-up Variable Renewable Energy will face critical bottlenecks vis-a-vis requisite transmission hosting capacity. Network developments must navigate the complexity of encroaching on private land, risk disturbing sites of cultural significance, compete with other environmental (i.e. biodiversity) objectives, and endure backlash from directly affected communities. Transmission is costly and post-pandemic supply-chain constraints are sending equipment costs higher. Given time and cost risks, existing transmission networks and successful augmentations need to function at their outer operating envelope. In this article, a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is examined by comparing static, seaonal and real-time dynamic line ratings. Historically, seasonal line ratings in the Queensland region of Australia's National Electricity Market reflected the still, hot conditions that characterised critical event maximum demand days. Widespread take-up rates of rooftop solar PV has shifted maximum (grid-supplied) demand to the late-afternoon when wind speeds are rising, which also provides thermal cooling to transmission lines. Optimisation modelling suggests a shift from static to dynamic line ratings for a reference 275 kV radial REZ in Queensland can increase wind hosting capacity from ∼1700 MW to >2800 MW with limited change in the asset base. Dynamically adjusting Frequency Control Ancillary Services further increases VRE hosting capacity.

Energy Management Strategies of Solar Rooftop Campus with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) And EV Supply Equipment (EVSE) using HOMER

Commercial sector has been among the largest source of electrical load demand in Malaysia including educational buildings. Nowadays, distributed energy resources, such as solar photovoltaics (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS), are being implemented in educational campus to save and manage its energy consumption. Additionally, electric vehicles (EV) are becoming more popular as they are more environmentally friendly than the traditional gasoline-powered cars. This research aims to examine the cost-effectiveness, environmental and technical aspects of a microgrid system that includes grid-connected solar panels, BESS and EV supply equipment (EVSE). The study was conducted for Universiti Teknologi MARA campus Pulau Pinang. The campus microgrid models are simulated using HOMER software to explore four different of microgrid configurations. The load profiles of the buildings in the campus were gathered and used in the model to identify the optimum microgrid model. The findings show Grid-PV-BESS has the best hybrid energy system based on the weightage sum decision making approach considering multiple criteria assessments. Through this study, a sustainable hybrid energy system in the educational campus can be proposed integrating solar PV, BESS and EVs.

DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF ROOF TOP SMALL SCALE SOLAR PV SYSTEM

Many renewable energy conversion systems have been built in order to reduce the use of fossil fuel and minimize global warming. Solar power plant, one of many renewable energy systems, has promising potential in green energy sector. However, there are only a few solar PV system installed in roof top of a building. Thus, the present work aims to development small scale roof top solar PV system and to investigate its performance. The 300 WP solar PV system is installed on a roof top of the office building of campus III-IST. AKPRIND. The performance of the system in terms of output current, output voltage, output power, and conversion efficiency. The results shows that maximum output current of 3.91 ampere and maximum output voltage of 58.29 volt were obtained at day 3 and day 5, respectively. The output current give predominant effect on output power of the solar PV system. The trend of output power is similar to that of output current. Maximum output power of 173.25 W was generated at day 3 where maximum output current was measured. Thus, it can be figure out that the solar PV system has an conversion efficiency of almost 58%.

A targeted approach to energy burden reduction measures: Comparing the effects of energy storage, rooftop solar, weatherization, and energy efficiency upgrades

As energy prices rise and climate change brings more extreme and frequent days of heating and cooling, households must allocate more of their income to energy bills, increasing their energy burden. Many strategies are employed to alleviate high energy burden, such as weatherization, energy efficiency, and energy storage and rooftop solar, though the benefits of each scale based on factors such as climate, housing characteristics, and energy behaviors. This study used variation in these factors across the United States to create a set of representative houses to investigate the variable responses to different energy burden reduction measures in the simulation environment GridLAB-D. Comparison of modeled energy and bill savings determined weatherization to have the most variability in energy and bill savings, often providing comparable and even greater energy and bill savings to energy storage plus rooftop solar at a fraction of the cost; energy storage provided the most consistent bill savings, determined primarily by the rate tariff used for energy arbitrage; and appliance efficiency upgrades provided minimal energy and bill savings. The results of the analysis can be used by policymakers, utilities, communities, and individuals to tailor energy burden reduction programs, policies, and spending to maximize local benefit.

Are households willing to adopt solar home systems also likely to use electricity more efficiently? Empirical insights from Accra, Ghana

The diffusion of renewable energy technology, such as solar home systems (SHS), has great potential to reduce GHG emissions. However, households’ energy efficiency (EE) and curtailment behavior (CB) play a crucial role in this process. This study examines the rooftop solar PV potential, households’ willingness to adopt SHS, and their EE/CB implications for mitigating CO2 emissions through SHS adoption. A survey of 216 households was carried out alongside rooftop solar PV potential analysis in a high-income gated estate and a middle-class neighborhood using secondary data. First, we find that rooftop solar PV has the potential to offset all grid electricity and its associated CO2 emissions for at least 63.5% of households. Secondly, the willingness to adopt SHS is lower in the high-income neighborhood than the middle-class ones. This dynamic is explained by the occupancy status, where most of those in the high-income neighborhood tend to be renters – a group known to have a low willingness to adopt SHS. Thirdly, our results affirm that energy-saving behavior is more common in a middle-class neighborhood where the propensity to adopt SHS is also high. Our results suggest that households willing to adopt SHS are more likely to engage in EE/CB. However, this tendency is common among middle-class households, who, in practice, may not be able to afford the SHS. Our findings underscore the need for more targeted policy interventions for SHS, and EE and CB among homeowners, high-income neighborhoods, and real estate developers.

How user behaviour affects emissions and costs in residential energy systems—The impacts of clothing and thermal comfort

To mitigate climate change, energy systems must be decarbonised. Human behaviour affects energy systems on residential scales through technology adoption and use, but is often neglected in models for analysing energy systems. We therefore study the optimal planning and operation of a sector-coupled residential energy system driven by economic and environmental interests and user behaviour in terms of desired thermal comfort and clothing. Methodologically, we combine a highly flexible energy system optimisation framework for investment and operational planning, a thermal building representation, a continuous and empirically founded objective for thermal comfort as the sole driver of heating demand and an analytical multi-objective optimisation method in one sector-coupled model. We find that optimal investment in and operation of technology are highly dependent on users’ clothing and the desired comfort level. Changing from unadapted to warm clothing in transition and winter season can reduce costs by 25%, carbon emissions by 48%, gas consumption by 84%, heat demand by 20% or necessary PV installations by 28% without lowering thermal comfort. Similar reduction potentials are offered by lowering thermal comfort without changing clothing. We find that heat pumps, rooftop solar PV, batteries and generously sized water tanks are essential technologies that should be adopted regardless of user behaviour, while hydrogen is not. Full decarbonisation would require additional measures like refurbishments or further carbon-free energy sources. We conclude that in striving for decarbonisation and independency of gas, appropriate clothing and sector coupling should be promoted by policy makers and utilised by end-users as very efficient ways of reducing costs, carbon emissions, energy use and gas dependency.

Predicting Solar Potential: A Comprehensive Analysis of On-Grid Rooftop Solar PV System through HelioScope Design

Abstract: This work focuses on designing an MWh generating On-grid Solar PV system installed in Mangalpally, Hyderabad. Regionally, this location receives 5.5 kWh/sq.mts/day of Solar Energy on an average. The main objective of this paper is to designing and simulation of a Solar PV system using a methodology that is capable of analysing the performance in an optimizable way irrespective of the capacity of the PV plant. Such software is HelioScope- a web-based software developed by Folsom Labs. This paper uses HelioScope methodology for simulation for assess and estimate of the Solar Energy Production. The results verify the Solar PV generation of the considered installation area.

Rooftop Solar and Electric Vehicle Integration for Smart, Sustainable Homes: A Comprehensive Review

The rapid growth of the energy and transport sectors has led to an increase in fuel consumption, resulting in a significant rise in greenhouse gas emissions. Switching to renewable energy sources and replacing internal combustion engines with electric vehicles (EVs) can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In recent years, the electrification of the transportation sector has become a primary focus of research and development efforts. However, if EVs are charged using conventional energy sources, we are unable to fully capitalize on their potential to reduce emissions. Charging EVs using renewable energy sources is the optimal solution. Otherwise, the increased number of EVs on the roads can significantly impact the stability of existing electric grids. As a result, smart homes with EV charging stations are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. This review focuses on the concept of grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) smart homes integrated with EVs and energy management systems in Australia. Australia can reduce emissions in the building and transport sectors by electrifying a range of vehicles and ultimately powering them with 100% renewable energy sources. The benefits of EV integration alongside rooftop solar systems for smart homes with house-to-vehicle or vehicle-to-house, as well as vehicle-to-grid or grid-to-vehicle (bidirectional EV charging) capabilities are also explored in this article. By adopting these systems, these smart homes can provide energy schemes for commercial use, ultimately contributing to the owner’s economic benefit.

TECHNO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF TRIANGULAR ROOFTOP SOLAR PV MODEL/PLN ON-GRID HOUSEHOLD SCALE IN INDONESIA

The use of solar PV as an alternative to fulfill household-scale electricity needs has begun to be widely developed. However, the problem of investment costs and the location of solar PV placement for household scale is still a challenge in its implementation. The construction model of rooftop solar PV can affect the investment cost and performance of solar PV. In this paper, the triangle model of rooftop solar PV on grid with PLN (PT. Perusahaan Listrik Negara) electricity network is studied in terms of technology and economics to determine the feasibility of implementing 900 VA household-scale power plants. Testing the application of solar PV technology under solar radiation conditions in the city of Surabaya, Indonesia as a case study. Calculation of electricity production, energy savings, energy sales, and energy purchases to determine technological feasibility as well Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), and Payback Period (PP) to determine the level of economic feasibility. The results of the research of 1,5 KWP (kilowatt peak) solar PV technology on a household scale are able to meet energy needs and reduce PLN electricity purchases to 0% and can sell electrical energy by 13.96% / year of the total electrical energy produced. In addition, the NPV, BCR with a value greater than zero, and PP of 8.6 is less than 15 years which is the service life of solar PV, so solar PV/ PLN on grid is feasible to be implemented for household scale power generation models.

The Use of the Taguchi Method with Grey Relational Analysis for Nanofluid-Phase Change-Optimized Parameter Design at a Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Thermal Composite Module for Small Households

This study aims to optimize the process parameters of the nanofluid-phase change-solar photovoltaic thermal (nanofluid-PCM-PV/T) composite module. In particular, the organic paraffin was selected as a phase change material, while water, CuO, and Al2O3 were selected as nanofluids. The TRNSYS 16.0 software was employed to model and analyze the composite module. The Taguchi method with the main effect analysis (MEA), analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the orthogonal table were established to investigate the impact of each control factor on the power generation and heat storage efficiency. Grey relational analysis (GRA) was adopted to obtain the parameters for multi-quality optimization. The result showed that the power generation efficiency in this study was 14.958%, and the heat storage efficiency was 64.764%. Meanwhile, in the conventional PV/T module, the former was 12.74%, and the latter was 34.06%, respectively. Verification results showed that the confidence intervals of both single-quality and multi-quality optimization parameter sets were within 95%. The errors of the results from both theoretical simulation and real testing were smaller than 5%. In the case of a generally small family of four members using electric/water heaters, the rooftop module in this study was more efficient than the typical rooftop PV/T by 25.04%. The former’s investment recovery period was lower than 0.81 years.

Enhancing the Performance of a Rooftop Solar Chimney Through Flow Disturbers

Abstract Enhancing the performance of passive solar chimneys constitutes a key point for successful applications in bioclimatic architecture. Present work assesses applications of several kinds of flow disturbers in a rooftop solar chimney, under isoflux heating and windless conditions, and including surface radiative effects. Systematic numerical calculations are conducted aiming a comprehensive analysis, by means of a low-Reynolds turbulence model, being the range of Rayleigh number considered 2.170 × 1012 − 2.170 × 1013. Effect of different geometrical parameters is analyzed, although main attention is posed on the influence of disturbers elements on the thermohydraulic behavior of the established airflow, for obtaining best performance conditions. Some obstacles cause a clear decrease in the efficiency of the system, but given disturbers appropriately located produce valuable enhancements in the thermal or dynamic efficiency. Insertion of intermediate plates proves to be the best option, achieving maximum increases of even approximately 50% in the ventilation capacity.

Application of Alternative Energy Sources as A Sustainable Strategy in Sri Lanka: Cases Review

This research aims to assess the feasibility and applicability of sustainable energy models for Sri Lanka by analyzing three successful case studies from different regions. The methodology involves examining solar PV installations in Iran's Lut Desert, rooftop solar PV projects in India, and combining floating solar panels with hydropower in various countries. The findings indicate that each case study offers unique advantages, with the potential for solar PV projects to address urban energy needs in Sri Lanka. The twinning of floating solar panels with hydropower also shows promise, leveraging the country's water resources. This study highlights the importance of tailored approaches and diversified sustainable energy projects for Sri Lanka, considering its distinctive characteristics.
 Keywords: Alternative Energy Sources in Sri Lanka; Rooftop Solar Power; Green and Sustainable Energy; Rent-a-Roof Project; Twinning Floating Solar and Hydropower

Techno-economic analysis of residential rooftop photovoltaics in Spain

In response to the European Commission's renewable energy targets for 2030, this study presents a comprehensive, data-driven evaluation of the potential for electricity self-consumption in the Spanish residential sector based on rooftop PV systems. Utilizing real-time hourly electricity demand data and various surplus compensation policies, the research highlights the significance of data granularity, indicating that annual data-based PV estimations can lead to rooftop PV self-consumption capacity overestimations when compared to hourly data assessments. Furthermore, geographical variations reveal distinct rooftop PV self-consumption capacities between urban and rural areas, driven mainly by the prevalent building typologies. This discrepancy suggests that while rural regions, with their predominance of single-family dwellings, offer higher PV generation potential due to more available rooftop space, urban areas, dominated by multi-story buildings, face significant constraints in rooftop surface availability. Economically, the current surplus compensation policy in Spain reduces the profitability of PV installations, underscoring the necessity for enhanced policies to fully utilize all the available rooftop areas in the residential sector. The study's findings, particularly the revelation that residential rooftops in Spain may not be enough to meet the current electricity demand, emphasize the need for adaptive, region-specific policies and the potential role of energy communities. Policymakers and industry stakeholders are urged to prioritize rooftop utilization, ensuring the deployment of PV systems is both promoted and economically viable, steering Spain closer to its renewable energy and sustainability aspirations.

The Technical and Economic Assessment of a Solar Rooftop Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System for a Dairy Farm

This study covers the technical and economic analysis of a grid-connected rooftop 216 kWp photovoltaic (PV) system to meet the average annual energy demand of 45,327 kWh of a dairy farm. According to the results of the analysis, an average of 326,819 kWh/year is received at the output of the panel arrays, while 294,838 kWh/year is supplied to the grid. The amount of energy to be received from the grid was found to be 25,013 kWh/year, and the performance ratio of the system was 0.808. The net present value (NPV) of the system was calculated as $36,463.39, and the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) was calculated as 0.065 $/kWh. Considering that the annual electricity generation amount of the rooftop PV system evaluated within the scope of the study is 315,152 kWh, it is estimated that 127.419 tCO2 per year of emission release will be prevented annually with the installation of the system.

Impact of Personal Traits and Government Incentives on the Intention of Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Installation in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, as a developing country, faces a significant obstacle of energy shortage due to efforts in economic development and enhancement of the living conditions of the citizens. However, the country accounts for a comparatively low carbon footprint, which at present is slowly increasing due to the development of the country and increasing power demand, as the country has taken desperate measures like burning fossil fuels to meet the rising demand. The country now intends to find more sustainable and environment-friendly measures to meet the demand. The introduction of renewable energy has made an effort to change the way that energy is produced. A non-depleting and renewable source of power, renewable energy is also referred to as green energy. It's common to refer to environmentally friendly energy sources as "green products" (in this case, "energy"). Fossil fuels are currently being replaced with renewable energy sources. Solar has been identified as the most promising renewable energy source, yet the land shortage has made the choice questionable. However, considering these issues and the country’s economic condition, the implementation of smaller-scale rooftop solar photovoltaic panels for individual houses may be the best solution. The research purpose of this study is to investigate and understand the impact of personnel traits and government incentives on the intention of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installation in Sri Lanka. The data for the study was gathered using 401 questionnaires dispersed around the country. The questionnaire was self-administered. The IBM SPSS Statistics 23 software was used to analyze the data that had been gathered. The findings demonstrate that consumer innovation, ecological lifestyle, environmental concern, and government incentives have a favorable influence on the public's propensity to install rooftop solar panels. In order to determine the influence of these elements on customers' installation intentions, this research examines the consumer perception theory-based model based on planned behavior theory. Local legislators, solar industry executives, and other stakeholders may greatly benefit from the study's findings.

Analysis of Solar Power Plant Development Potential in Adipala - Cilacap

PT Pertamina (Persero) as the vanguard of the archipelago's energy has committed to finding and developing new and renewable energy sources to support national energy independence and sovereignty. One of the concrete steps taken by PT Pertamina through the Cilacap Processing Unit IV is to build a Solar Power Plant. One of the strategic solar power plant construction sites in an empty land area close to the 500 kV Adipala Sutet Power Network is located in Cilacap regency with an average global horizontal irradiation (GHI) value of 1908 kWh/m2. With this value, the installation of solar rooftops is the right solution to support electricity production using renewable energy. The electricity load consumption from the city in one year is 1785.6 KWh and is currently entirely supplied by PLN. In this study, a Solar Power Plant design was carried out on vacant land around housing that can be produced in one year. The design and calculations were carried out using the help of PVSyst and RETScreen software. From the simulation results, the results obtained are a Solar Power Plant that has been designed to produce 463 kWh per year which can meet 25.9% of electricity needs at the design site with a Solar Power Plant performance ratio of 85.74% where Solar Power Plant can produce electrical energy of 1531 KWh per year.

Planning of distribution system considering residential roof top photovoltaic systems, distributed generations and shunt capacitors using gravitational search algorithm

In this paper a Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) based multiobjective approach is proposed for optimum sizing and allocation of distributed generations (DGs) and shunt capacitors (SCs) for distribution systems integrated with roof top photo voltaic systems (PV). The capacity of roof top Solar PV systems is designed based on the basic energy consumption requirements of a two-bed room apartment. A normalized multiobjective function is formulated considering the objectives of minimizing substation real power, reactive power, real power loss minimization and voltage profile improvement. The optimum DGs and SCs for three seasons summer, rainy and winter are obtained using GSA by minimizing the multiobjective function to reduce the burden on the substation and simultaneously improving the distribution system performance. A practical 52-bus, 11 kV rural radial distribution system is used to demonstrate the simulation results to show the advantage of the proposed methodology in improving the distribution system performance.

The assessment of the value of electricity saving and economic benefit to residential solar rooftop PV customer: The case of Thailand

A rise in residential solar rooftop PV (SRPV) has been observed in Thailand because of the decreasing costs of solar photovoltaics (PV) and implementation of incentive programs for SRPV. However, without financial assistance, it is not economically feasible to invest in a SRPV system with Stationary Battery Storage (SBS) due to the high up-front cost of SBS and the low power retail price for household. This study examines the benefit to Thai households with SRPV under different technology regimes, incentives, rate structures, and trading mechanisms such as Peer-to-Peer (P2P), and financial aid programs. It is found that the households who install solar with SBS, or a Battery Electric Vehicle see a minor benefit. Net Energy Metering saves more money than Net Billing (NB) under different retail rate structures and price escalation as well as with different load patterns in pre-COVID19 and during COVID19 conditions. In addition, SRPV can deliver even greater financial return if it is supported by measures, such as a lower loan interest rate and a substantial share of the loan amount. Compared to NB, P2P energy trading is favorable for SRPV that purchase and sell excess solar rooftop energy after self-consumed with the neighboring household.

Techno-Economic Appraisal of A Rooftop Solar Pv Project for A University Campus

Techno-Economic Appraisal of A Rooftop Solar Pv Project for A University Campus