Rooftop Systems Research Articles

Evaluation Study of Rooftop Solar Power System (RSPS) Utilisation Off Grid System at Ash Yard Office of Steam Power Plant (SPP) Mine Mouth (MT) Sumsel-82x660 MW

Indonesia is currently facing various challenges in meeting its national energy needs. About 60% of the country's electricity production depends on coal, making it crucial to reduce this dependence to achieve energy balance, enhance energy resilience, and develop environmentally friendly renewable energy sources. In this study, the feasibility of investing in off grid solar rooftop systems is evaluated, considering technical performance, environmental impact, and economic aspects, including installation costs and potential energy savings. This research proves that the design and installation of the off grid rooftop solar power system function well, with a performance ratio (PR) value of 83.22%, indicating that the system meets the expected standards (above 70%). In addition, the off grid rooftop solar power system is capable of producing electricity with an average annual value of 5,572 kWh. This off grid rooftop solar power system contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions at the research site by 50,531 tons of CO2e in one year, in line with the research objectives related to environmental aspects. The off grid rooftop solar power system at the Ash Yard Office is a feasible and profitable investment due to the power cable connection from the Sumsel-8 coal-fired power plant and the use of 20kV medium voltage electricity from PLN. It has a Payback Period of 19 (nineteen) years, which indicates that the investment in the rooftop solar power system at the Ash Yard Office is still worth pursuing because the Payback Period is shorter than the project's lifespan.

Shortening the Payback Period of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Benefits from Photovoltaic Rooftop Systems

This paper presents an analysis of shortening the payback period of greenhouse gas reduction benefits from photovoltaic rooftop systems. The objective was to evaluate the amount of carbon credits generated and their returns. The study includes an economic analysis and a comparison of the economic outcomes with and without the consideration of carbon credits from 149.80 kWp and 25.68 kWp photovoltaic rooftop systems. The study evaluated the amount of electrical energy produced by the photovoltaic rooftop systems, estimated using the PVsyst program version 7.3.1, at a factory in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand. The economic indices analyzed in this study include the payback period, net present value (NPV), benefit–cost ratio (B/C ratio), and internal rate of return (IRR). The analysis is divided into four case studies: Case 1 is the base case, and Cases 2, 3, and 4 consider carbon credits for 7, 14, and 25 years, respectively. The economic indices analyzed in Case 1 include the financial internal rate of return (FIRR), payback period, financial net present value (FNPV), and B/C ratio. In Cases 2, 3, and 4, the economic indices analyzed are the economic internal rate of return (EIRR), the economic net present value (ENPV), the B/C ratio, and the payback period. This paper outlines a new economic calculation approach that incorporates carbon credits produced by photovoltaic rooftop systems, which helps achieve break-even points more quickly. It also discusses the application of carbon credits in conjunction with renewable energy.

Assessment of the viability of photovoltaic system implementation on the New Media Tower of Universitas Multimedia Nusantara using PVSyst software: A feasibility study.

The urgency of addressing climate change, exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions, necessitates sustainable solutions, including green building practices and renewable energy adoption. This study focuses on the feasibility of implementing solar photovoltaic systems at Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN), particularly in Building C, known as the New Media Tower, which is designed with green building principles. Solar energy, an increasingly prominent renewable source, presents a viable solution to reduce carbon footprints. Before installation, thorough simulations using software like PVSyst are essential to predict energy output and evaluate system efficiency. Several studies have explored PV system feasibility using simulations, highlighting the importance of software selection for accurate assessments. Building C offers potential locations for PV installation, with the rooftop being a primary consideration due to its expansive area and minimal shading. The rooftop PV system simulation shows an annual energy production of 202 MWh, close to the target of 209.64 MWh, while the parking area system only generates 64.5 MWh/year. Technical evaluations reveal that only the rooftop PV system meets electricity generation targets, highlighting its superiority over the parking area system. Financial analysis demonstrates the rooftop system's viability, with a payback period of 8.2 years and a return on investment (ROI) of 115.8%. Although the upfront investment is substantial, the long-term benefits justify implementation. Overall, this study underscores the technical and financial feasibility of rooftop photovoltaic systems on Building C at UMN, offering valuable insights for sustainable energy initiatives in academic institutions.

Adoption and spatial distribution disparities of residential plug-in and rooftop photovoltaic systems in Germany

In contrast to residential rooftop photovoltaic systems, plug-in photovoltaic systems offer a significantly lower barrier to entry in terms of upfront costs, installation complexity, and the need for roof space. These attributes make them appealing to a wider demographic and position them as transformative tools in the energy transition, opening opportunities for broader participation in renewable energy and aligning with the growing emphasis on energy justice and inclusivity. Nevertheless, adoption patterns for plug-in PV systems are not well understood, especially given their unique characteristics, which limit the applicability of insights derived from residential rooftop systems. This study addresses this research gap by applying spatial econometric models to investigate plug-in PV system adoption, revealing pronounced disparities. Our findings show that income support recipients are less negatively associated with plug-in PV adoption compared to larger rooftop systems, indicating that the lower upfront costs of plug-in PV systems may reduce financial barriers. Furthermore, the influence of household income on adoption is weaker for plug-in systems, suggesting that these systems may be more accessible to lower-income households. Contrary to expectations, solar radiation plays a less significant role in the adoption of plug-in PV. Additionally, the negative effect of the proportion of rented apartments on adoption is less pronounced for plug-in systems, highlighting their suitability for renters. Regional subsidies have demonstrated a positive impact on plug-in PV adoption, further emphasizing the potential of targeted support programs. Our findings can equip policymakers with the necessary insights to formulate strategies promoting the uptake of plug-in PV systems.

Energy Efficiency and Economic Survivance Appraisal of a 375 kWp Rooftop Solar PV System Under Hot and Dry Indian Climate

ABSTRACTIndia's rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installations are experiencing rapid growth due to favorable regulations. As climate change becomes a growing concern, researchers are turning their attention to the effects of weather patterns on the performance of rooftop solar panels, and also to optimize their efficiency in a changing environment. Consequently, industry players in the solar sector have been conducting performance validation and feasibility assessments of these plants. A 375 kWp rooftop PV plant is studied as a case example from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023, generating 543,666 kWh annually for the grid. The NMBE and MBE were assessed using simulation tools like PVGIS and PV Watts. In addition, a cost–benefit analysis of carbon credits was conducted with and without their inclusion. The energy payback time is calculated at 4.5 years post‐inclusion. Over a 25‐year lifespan, the embodied energy of the PV plant amounts to 2,552,265 kWh. This plant can mitigate CO2 emissions annually by 10,173.57 tons which is equivalent to INR 5,464,925. The current study highlights both environmental and economic benefits by incorporating carbon credits into the project. Further advancement in simulation tools, PV technologies, climate change adaptations are expected which will improve the rooftop system efficiency with shorten pay pabck periods and maximum reductions in CO2 emissions.

Perceptions of building-integrated nature-based solutions by suppliers versus consumers in Egypt

Can Building-Integrated Nature-based Solutions (BI-NbS) reach their full potential in the Global South? In the Egyptian context, BI-NbS are relatively new with an identified gap between the high potential in theory and low implementation rates in practice. To bridge this gap, the study conducts an in-depth investigation of BI-NbS market conditions to reveal the current trends in the residential buildings market in Egypt. It also identifies the gaps and overlaps in the perceptions of the suppliers and consumers of BI-NbS. Results reveal that the residential sector sales mainly target high-income groups yet very limited and dominated by rooftop systems. Suppliers advocate for high-tech systems over low-tech systems, whereas consumers prefer the latter. The perceptions of suppliers and consumers mostly align regarding the basic aspects such as the production and operation preferences as well as the anxieties and concerns about the relatively new BI-NbS in this regional context. However, they diverge in key aspects affecting market penetration such as implementation conditions, aims, and barriers. Accordingly, the study identified the gap between suppliers and consumers, and outlined recommendations, directed to suppliers and policymakers, for improved market development and local implementation of BI-NbS in emerging markets of the Global South, such as Egypt.

Assessing Yield Disparities: Anticipated versus Optimal Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems and Implications for Prosumer Viability

Solar photovoltaics, especially rooftop systems also called distributed solar photovoltaics, are crucial in the ongoing energy transition. Modeling these systems is vital to understanding their role in a decentralized energy system. While ground‐mounted photovoltaic power plants are easier to model, generalizing yield profiles for rooftop systems is challenging. This study aims to estimate yield loss effects for rooftop solar photovoltaic systems compared to optimized ground‐mounted systems. Anticipated yield losses are 18% for residential, 7% for commercial, and 4% for industrial rooftop systems. The impact on residential prosumers’ viability is assessed by comparing prosumer system optimization results with and without yield losses. Results show a non‐uniform change in installed solar photovoltaic and battery capacities, with a tendency to compensate for reduced yields by increasing photovoltaic capacity by up to 20%, given favorable cost prospects by 2050. The annualized total cost of energy for prosumer households could therefore increase by up to 20% by 2050. Despite yield reductions, installing a solar photovoltaic prosumer system remains more favorable than relying entirely on‐grid electricity. This study highlights the importance of considering yield losses in rooftop solar photovoltaics and the significant role of prosumers despite identified yield losses.

Remote-Sensing-Based Estimation of Rooftop Photovoltaic Power Production Using Physical Conversion Models and Weather Data

The global photovoltaic (PV) installed capacity, vital for the electric sector’s decarbonation, reached 1552.3 GWp in 2023. In France, the capacity stood at 19.9 GWp in April 2024. The growth of the PV installed capacity over a year was nearly 32% worldwide and 15.7% in France. However, integrating PV electricity into grids is hindered by poor knowledge of rooftop PV systems, constituting 20% of France’s installed capacity, and the lack of measurements of the production stemming from these systems. This problem of lack of measurements of the rooftop PV power production is referred to as the lack of observability. Using ground-truth measurements of individual PV systems, available at an unprecedented temporal and spatial scale, we show that by estimating the PV power production of an individual rooftop system by combining solar irradiance and temperature data, the characteristics of the PV system inferred from remote sensing methods and an irradiation-to-electric power conversion model provides accurate estimations of the PV power production. We report an average estimation error (measured with the pRMSE) of 10% relative to the system size. Our study shows that we can improve rooftop PV observability, and thus its integration into the electric grid, using little information on these systems, a simple model of the PV system, and weather data. More broadly, this study shows that limited information is sufficient to derive a reasonably good estimation of the PV power production of small-scale systems.

Integrating Renewable Energy Produced by a Library Building on a University Campus in a Scenario of Collective Self-Consumption

Rising fossil fuel costs and environmental concerns are driving the search for new energy sources, particularly renewable energy. Among these sources, solar photovoltaic (PV) is the most promising in southern European countries, mainly through the use of decentralised PV systems designed to produce electricity close to the point of demand and primarily to meet local energy needs. In an urban scenario, a decentralised energy system usually operates in parallel with the grid, allowing excess power generated to be injected into the grid. Solar carports and rooftop systems are excellent examples of distributed photovoltaic systems, which are far more sustainable than large centralised systems because they do not compete for land use. Despite their operational advantages, these decentralised photovoltaic production plants, which are in most cases financed by specific energy efficiency programs, present challenges in a regulated market where the injection of energy into the electricity grid is restricted by law and support programs. The aim of this work is to integrate two different photovoltaic systems within an academic campus where the only PV source currently available is a solar car park, a solution designed both to provide shaded space for vehicles and to produce energy to be consumed within the facilities. Due to legal restrictions, surplus electricity cannot be sold to the national grid, and solar batteries to store the generated energy are expensive and have a short lifespan. Therefore, since the campus has two different grid connections and a 102.37 kWp PV system, the newly designed system to be installed on the library roof must be calculated to support the installed electricity system during the most critical working hours, determining the specific angle and orientation of the solar panels. On this basis, the energy management of a school campus is fundamental to creating a collective self-consumption system, the basis of a local energy community that can meet energy, environmental, and social objectives.

ANALISIS RELOKASI PEMBANGKIT LISTRIK TENAGA SURYA ON-GRID KAPASITAS 75 kWp DI SMKN 1 DENPASAR

The solar energy potential in Bali ranges from 4.01 to 6.13 kWh/m²/day, with an average increase of 4.89 kWh/m²/day. For solutions and innovations in energy development from unlimited resources, the use of new renewable energy such as natural sources like the sun is being explored. The utilization of renewable energy sources in the production of electricity and the decision of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ministerial Regulation ESDM No. 49 of 2018, concerns the use of rooftop solar energy systems by consumers of PT PL).. The presence of the PLTS Rooftop at SMKN 1 Denpasar has garnered attention for further analysis regarding the installed PLTS. The performance of the PLTS Rooftop system at SMKN 1 Denpasar is analyzed using PVSyst software to view production potential, then calculate performance parameters of the PLTS system compared to the production results during one year of operation. The relocation design of the rooftop PLTS was carried out using PVSyst software, and then the performance parameters in the new building were calculated. Based on the analysis, the rooftop PLTS at the building before relocation produced an energy output of 124,347 kWh/Year with a performance ratio of 85.6%. For the building after relocation at SMKN 1 Denpasar, the energy output of the PLTS is 133,977 kWh/Year with a performance ratio of 85.7%.

Financial Implications of Rooftop Solar Penetration in Sri Lanka from Utility Point of View

Solar is one of the fast growing and economical renewable power generation sources. The intention of development of solar power generation is to promote clean energy while addressing the basic requirement of uninterrupted and reliable electricity supply.The Sri Lankan government decided to adopt a policy that would use subsidies to encourage the growth of solar PV-based electricity. As a result, the market developed with a large number of customers eager to install solar rooftop systems, and they received strong assistance from solar power service providers. Hence, the utility is required to absorb the solar energy produced and this study focuses on the impact of solar penetration to the utility.System dispatch data for year 2019 and rooftop solar generation data for a period of 6 months of year 2019 were considered for the analysis in this paper. The model compares the financials of two scenarios to estimate the impact to the utility. The base case scenario, which is business as usual with the already installed solar generation in the system and No solar scenario which assumes that there is no solar in the system and therefore the demand is met by other available generation capacities in the system.This paper examines the two scenarios with careful calculations of how the system can still run without solar in the system. Daily demand patterns were also analysed and then expanded to months and summarized for the year. This research focuses the financial impact of solar electricity penetration to the national grid and how everyone can still be benefitted.

Necessity and Design of Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting System

Necessity and Design of Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting System

Daylight photoluminescence imaging of photovoltaic systems using inverter‐based switching

AbstractDaylight photoluminescence imaging of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules is demonstrated for modules embedded in rooftop and utility‐scale systems, using inverters to electrically switch the operating point of the array. The method enables rapid and high‐quality luminescence image acquisition during the day, unlocking efficient performance and quality monitoring without the need to connect specific electrical hardware or to make any modifications to the system wiring. The principle of the measurement approach is discussed, and experimental results from a 12‐kWDC residential rooftop system and from a 149 MWDC utility‐scale photovoltaic power plant are presented. Measurements were performed using commercial inverters without modifications to the inverter hardware or firmware. In the case of the utility‐scale power plant, the daylight photoluminescence image acquisition of modules connected to a central inverter was obtained from a remote piloted aircraft. Data analysis includes the conversion of photoluminescence image data into implied voltage differences.

Numerical Design and Analysis of Advanced Roof Systems in Architecture with Environmentally Friendly Low-Carbon Materials

This research explores the viability of bamboo as a green replacement for timber in building practices. Bamboo’s advantages lie in its renewability, sustainability, and resilience to disasters, despite possessing mechanical properties similar to timber. The study proposes using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations, a potent instrument for designing and analyzing intricate structures under varying loads. The research explicitly employs FEA simulations to examine the application of bamboo in complex rooftop systems, using two commercial 3D CAD software—Rhino7 and Strand7. Rhino7 is responsible for 3D model creation and the member’s division into minuscule elements, whereas Strand7 is used to assign material properties, establish boundary conditions, carry out simulations, and analyze the outcomes. This research includes case studies of bamboo grid-shell structures and implements the suggested methodology. The study’s objective is to augment the scarce engineering data and to analyze bamboo as a material and the impact it can have on construction. The study’s results underscore the potential of eco-friendly, low-carbon materials, such as bamboo, in the construction industry. It also illustrates the effectiveness of FEA simulation in analyzing elaborate structures.

Design, Installation, and Performance Monitoring of a 105 kWp Rooftop Solar PV System

Rooftop Solar PV systems are gaining growing attention on the path toward carbon neutrality. Hence, a great effort must be exerted to ensure smooth and efficient penetration of such systems into the existing utility grids. In the current work, a 105 kWp rooftop solar system is designed and installed to fulfil part of the electric demand of the faculty of Engineering, Zagazig University, Egypt. The performance parameters of this grid-connected solar PV system are optimized for the least-cost of electricity supply through using industry-standard software NREL SAM. For the current rooftop system, fixed orientation of an optimized tilt angle of 23 degrees is preferred over sun-tracking systems due to the reduced operating and maintenance costs. The annual energy production of the system is 175,700 kWh with a capacity factor of 19.1%. Through using parametric optimization and inter-connected financial analysis algorithms, it was possible to define the least cost for the electricity supplied to the grid to be 0.55 EGP/kWh, which achieves grid parity in Egypt. The project is finically profitable without any subsidy, with a discounted payback period of 7.9 years, and IRR (on equity) of 20.1 % and saves 1882-ton CO2 over its lifetime. Sensitivity analysis showed that the electricity escalation rate greatly enhances the project finances. In the first year of operation, the system performed fairly well compared with the theoretical design, provided that the system is frequently cleaned (at least once a week) and continuously connected.

A Rooftop Agrivoltaic System: Pollinator Plant Establishment

In a time of rapid habitat removal in favor of urbanization, green roofs have been recognized as a means to increase biodiversity while emulating native habitats in urban ecosystems. There is often competition over roof space for use as solar energy generation, or green roof space. Here we explore the inclusion of both green roof and photovoltaic (PV) energy generation systems stacked vertically in a rooftop system to better understand the impacts of PV arrays on six species of pollinator plants native to Colorado’s Front Range and Great Plains Regions. We conducted randomized and replicated plant establishment and growth studies in a simulated rooftop system in full sun and under a fixed mounted PV array over the course of the initial growing season. Additionally, we measured the plant growing environment, including air temperature, substrate temperature, and substrate moisture to quantify the differences in the conditions in full sun compared to conditions under the PV arrays. Light conditions were modeled. We find plant establishment and overwinter survivability is greater under the PV array, while the seasonal plant growth index varies depending on the plant species. Substrate moisture was significantly higher under the PV while substrate temperature trended towards lower daytime temperatures and slightly raised nighttime temperatures under the PV. Based on this study, the microclimate under the PV array is amenable to plant growth, and differences in plant response to the shade may closely resemble ecotones found in nature. The combination of rooftop agrivoltaics and traditional full sun green roof plantings may lead to greater native plant establishment, and therefore greater diversity of habitat niches in the built environment.

Challenges and Opportunities for Autonomous UAV Inspection in Solar Photovoltaics

This work focuses on identifying the applications, critical challenges and future opportunities of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in solar photovoltaics (PV) inspection. This paper places emphasis on aspects that require more research attention and depth that are mostly overlooked in most published research works. It therefore presents a state-of-the-art overview on the current use of autonomous UAV systems in solar photovoltaics, highlighting its major challenges and untapped potentials requiring more research. Major challenges and opportunities are identified within recent non-conventional large rooftop systems, floating and vertical solar PV systems where autonomous inspection applications are required starting from the pre-construction stage and where the requirements vary from standard ground mount systems. This is largely because autonomous systems are found to be more impactful in demanding environments. Aside from the technical aspects related to autonomous navigation, the types of sensors required and solar PV monitoring, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and safe autonomy are also examined by using on-board backup/monitoring systems to assist with navigation and emergency landing. This is essential due to the nature of the application within complex-urban environments. It is considered that the “open research” areas will deepen regional impact, efficiency, accessibility and use of autonomous UAV inspection for solar PV and inspection activities in other sectors. Thus, enabling enormous transformation for both manned and autonomous inspection landscapes. This work therefore provides technical input on the current procedures applied, identifies the challenges, and provides recommendations on aspects where significant future progress would be most advantageous.

PV Rooftop System Design and Modeling On-Grid Commercial Scale in The Building of The Faculty of Science and Technology UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung

This research discusses the design of a comprehensive on-grid rooftop solar PV system. The object of this research is the Faculty of Science and Technology Building of UIN Sunan Gunung Djatii Bandung, with the results of this study obtained a rooftop on-grid solar PV system capacity of 177 keep, with a DC / AC ratio of 1.265, a total capacity of the string inverter used is 140 Kwa. In this design, 3D shading scene modeling is carried out to obtain accurate losses. The simulation results obtained an annual output of 200.2 MWh in the designed solar PV system, and the performance ratio (PR) value obtained was 78.09%..

Analysis of Different Scenarios to Include PV Rooftop Systems with Battery Energy Storage Systems in Olive Mills

The industrial sector is not the one with the highest energy consumption but, together with, it represents the most, together with the transport sector, the most polluting ones. Photovoltaic Rooftop systems and battery energy storage systems are very strong candidates to include renewable energy, allowing greater grid autonomy and greenhouse gas mitigation. Therefore, this paper aims to outline it will be provided a methodology based on monitored data to analyze the potential of photovoltaic Rooftops with battery energy storage systems regarding self-consumption and self-sufficiency indices in the industrial sector. Direct self-consumption and self-sufficiency indices, either with or without storage, will be analyzed. In addition, the iso self-consumption and iso self-sufficiency curves are used, which allow us to evaluate the matching between the generation and consumption profiles considering either direct self-consumption or the use of batteries. In this sense, a large, medium, and small olive mill were selected in order to cover the entire spectrum of these industries. Olive mills are suitable candidates for the incorporation of photovoltaic systems since generation profiles match the consumption profiles. However, the size of these systems is highly dependent on the period of consumption to be faced. Regarding batteries, both during the harvest and off-harvest periods, the impact on self-sufficiency becomes significant, reaching increases of up to 10%, depending on the battery capacity used.

A review on Construction and Performance Investigation of Three-Phase Solar PV

The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is continuously declining in many countries, which is largely responsible for the current geometric increase in the global deployment of PV modules at utility-scale and residential roof-top systems. Other factors contributing to this trend are the modules' affordability, scalability, and long-term warranty. Furthermore, as the world's energy portfolio continues to transition towards cleaner energy technologies, PV adoption is anticipated to maintain this increasing trend. Nevertheless, during outdoor deployment, the PV modules are subjected to a broad variety of climatic conditions, regardless of the kind, material, and component technology. The modules are frequently exposed to intense chemical, photochemical, and thermo mechanical stress under these hostile environmental conditions. These circumstances, in addition to manufacturing flaws, significantly increase the ageing rate and faults of PV modules. This research looks at the application of Unified Power Quality Conditioners (UPQC) to reduce grid power quality issues and harmonics caused by non-linear loads. In this work, photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) assist the UPQC. In most cases, the load receives its active power from the PV system. On the other hand, the BESS kicks in and supplies electricity if the PV is unable to do so, particularly during the longer-lasting voltage disruption. Due to its considerable dependence on the environment and instability, a hybrid PV-BESS system is more dependable than a solo PV-UPQC system.