Semi-transparent Photovoltaic Modules Research Articles

Economic and Performance Analysis of Modified Solar Distillation System Coupling Different Integrations Using Carbon Quantum Dot Nanoparticles: Generalized Thermal Model

Abstract Clean drinking water and electricity production utilizing non-conventional sources of energy is the global demand for sustainable development. Ultrafast heat transfer fluids have delivered impressive results in photovoltaic (PV)-integrated solar thermal systems, in recent times. Efforts have been made for the productivity and electricity augmentation of solar still equipped with helically coilled heat exchanger and coupled with different integrations, viz., (a) partially covered N-photovoltaic thermal compound parabolic concentrator (N-PVT-CPC), (b) partially covered N-photovoltaic thermal flat plate collector (N-PVT-FPC), (c) N-FPC-CPC, and (d) N-flat plate collector (N-FPC). System design has also been modified by adding a roof-top semi-transparent PV module and built-in passive copper condenser (circulation mode), and effect of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) water-based nanofluids, nanoparticles volume concentration, and packing factor (βc) of the PV module has been studied by developing generalized thermal modeling of the system (special cases). Overall, 41.1%, 21.52%, 22.01%, and 10.01% rise in evaporative HTCs is observed in FPC-CPC, PVT-CPC, FPC, and PVT-FPC integrations, respectively. Thermal exergy is found to be higher for FPC-CPC integration, and it follows the enhancement order as FPC-CPC (max-0.147 kW) > PVT-CPC (0.088 kW) > FPC (0.038 kW) > PVT-FPC (0.028 kW). In reference to the base fluid, significant enhancement in the daily productivity is observed for FPC-CPC (10.9%) and PVT-CPC (5.16%) integrations using CQD-NPs. The production cost of potable water has also been estimated for all the cases for n = 30 and n = 50 years life span and i = 4% and 8% interest rates, and it is found to be the lowest (0.014 $/L) for FPC-CPC integration using CQD-NPs (n = 30 years, i = 4%).

Active heating of greenhouse integrated semitransparent photovoltaic thermal system with series connected semitransparent photovoltaic thermal air collectors

In order to fulfill the demand for energy and food security, an active heating of a controlled environment greenhouse integrated semitransparent photovoltaic thermal (GiSPVT) system with N-semitransparent photovoltaic thermal (SPVT) air collector for cold climatic conditions has been analyzed in this paper. The proposed SPVT air collectors are connected in series and integrated with GiSPVT. It is used to generate thermal as well as electrical energy to meet the daily requirements of users. Based on the energy balance equation which is a function of design and climatic parameters, an analytical expression for various variable parameters namely plant, room air, and solar cell temperatures have been derived. Numerical computation has been made in Matlab for computing the thermal, electrical, and overall exergy of the proposed system. Based on numerical computation, the following observations have been made: (i) From a thermal point of view, the packing factor (0.5, 0.8) of the semitransparent PV module plays an important role and it must be optimized for maximum thermal heating. (ii) The selection of a number of collector N is an important parameter to generate electrical energy as well as thermal heating of GiSPVT room air in an optimum way.

Design and evaluation of an agrivoltaic system for a pear orchard

Agrivoltaic systems are mostly deployed on arable farm land. An interesting application of agrivoltaics for permanent farming such as pear orchards, is in replacing the protective function of hail nets by semi-transparent PV modules. In this study, a theoretical framework is used to design the optimal agrivoltaic lay-out regarding the levelized cost of electricity, electricity generation and incident irradiance. This incident irradiance is modelled using a 3D light simulation tool, capable of including the light distribution within the canopy walls. Given the practical constraints (orientation, planting distance, maximum wind load, protection function), present in an existing pear orchard, a double-inclined PV structure with a PV module transparency level of 40% was used. This system was constructed in Bierbeek, Belgium. Results of the first year of operation are presented and the models used are validated. It is concluded that this application is promising, with positive effects of the climatological conditions, robust energy generation and a minimum loss of 16% on pear yield. Nevertheless, at this moment, the system is financially unviable and a long-term analysis of the shading effect on crop yield and quality is needed before the large-scale deployment of this technology.

Fully Printed and Industrially Scalable Semitransparent Organic Photovoltaic Modules: Navigating through Material and Processing Constraints

While the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic photovoltaics (OPV) on small‐area lab cells has rapidly increased during the last few years, the performance on module level and the availability of OPV modules on the market is still limited, primarily due to specific constraints imposed by the industrial production process. This work deals with the upscaling process of latest‐generation OPV from small‐area lab cells to fully solution‐processed modules, which are compatible to industrial roll‐to‐roll (R2R) printing. This transfer is demonstrated step by step from material selection and process optimization for every single layer of the stack (photoactive layer, charge transporting layers, and solution‐processed top electrode)–including long‐term stability investigations (thermal and light)–to scaling up the device area by a factor of >100. Thus, a semitransparent OPV module with 10.8% PCE on 10.2 cm2 active area is achieved, which is among the highest performances for semitransparent, fully solution‐processed OPV modules. The individual developments all meet the requirements for industrial R2R printing (green solvents, processing in air, annealing ≤140 °C, etc.), which ensures that both the optimized layer stack and the fabrication process are fully scalable and easily transferable to large‐scale production.

Evaluation of front and backside performances of a large surface organic photovoltaic module under bifacial illumination

Semitransparency is one of the attractive characteristics of thin-film solar modules as it allows electricity generation while providing building illumination. However, enhancing transparency can result in lower energy generation efficiency. An effective way to improve energy production in semitransparent modules is through bifacial illumination. This work aims to evaluate, experimentally, and discuss the optical and electrical properties of a commercial, semitransparent organic photovoltaic (OPV) module under bifacial illumination. With that purpose, current-voltage characteristic curves were obtained under the following conditions: a) front, b) rear illumination and c) simultaneous illumination on both faces. The module was placed inside a V-trough cavity to implement electrical measurements with the module's both faces simultaneously illuminated by natural sunlight. Results show that bifacial illumination is an effective way to enhance energy production in semitransparent OPV devices, and a 46% increase in power generation compared to traditional illumination (frontal illumination) was achieved in the experiments. The backside illumination performance differs by over 40%, compared with the front side, due to electrode shading, optics, and differences in the energy conversion processes taking place in the active layer. The OPV module operation under bifacial illumination is equivalent to a parallel connection between the front and backside illumination performances. Optical modeling shows that the active layer absorbs a large part of the incoming light within the cell spectral response. Nevertheless, in the case of frontal illumination, a significant fraction of solar radiation in the visible region is transmitted and remains available, for instance, for building illumination purposes.

Lab-to-Fab development and long-term greenhouse test of stable flexible semitransparent organic photovoltaic module

The Lab-to-Fab transfer from cell to large-area flexible semitransparent organic photovoltaic (OPV) module by the slot-die coating based on halogen-free host solvent and under ambient air environment is developed. The bulk heterojunction structure (BHJ) and formation mechanism of slot-die-coated active layer on flexible substrate are different from those usually reported. The relationship among processing, film thickness/BHJ morphology, transmittance and performance for the slot-die-coated module, and the optimum strategy are studied in this article. The flexible semitransparent modules with active areas of 45 and 22.5 cm2 have the average visible transmittance of 21.3%–16.7%. The corresponding average power conversion efficiency (PCE) values are 4%–6.2%. The highest PCE can achieve 7.8%. Compared to all large-area flexible semitransparent slot-die-coated OPV modules reported with PCEs (usually ≤5%), the modules prepared here have the best PCE. The electric behavior and stability of these OPV modules and a Si-PV panel under the greenhouse test are studied. Among the stability data (usual T80 lifetime ≤100 days) reported for semitransparent flexible OPV modules under greenhouse test, the T80 lifetime of the OPV modules prepared here can reach 200 days and also remain the highest PCE with the least burn-in loss.

Statistical analysis of power generation of semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) for diversity in building envelope design: A mock-up test by azimuth and tilt angles

Semi-transparent photovoltaics (STPVs) have received increasing attention as an energy-efficient building envelope that uses renewable energy. It is necessary to find the optimal combination of the azimuth angle and tilt angle to install the STPV and to secure high-power generation. However, various constraints limit the installation of STPVs at optimal angles. In other words, there may be a conflict between the building envelope design and STPV design depending on the circumstances, thereby limiting the design. Therefore, this study presents a statistical analysis of power generation with respect to angle to determine the possibilities in building envelope design. Two identical STPV modules each were installed at five azimuth and tilt angles (i.e., two STPV modules each on 25 sides), and the power generation for one year was measured. Then, 1392 h of data were sampled and a statistical analysis was conducted to compare the power generation. First, the representative values were set after comparing the power generation of the two modules at each angle through the Mann–Whitney test. Then, the power generation of each angle was compared through the Kruskal–Wallis test, and a post hoc analysis was conducted. As a result, power generation for five azimuth angles (e.g., +90° (west), +45° (southwest), 0° (south), −45° (southeast), and −90° (east)) was statistically identical in performance at tilt angles of 3° and 15°. Therefore, it is more desirable to focus designs on securing more area than considering optimal azimuth angle in the generation of maximum power through STPVs, at tilt angles of 3° and 15°. Moreover, STPVs for the tilt angles of 75° and 90° were statistically identical in performance when facing west, southwest, southeast, and east. This suggests that, when an STPV is installed at 75° or 90° of the tilt angle, if it cannot be installed on the south, it will provide statistically identical performance even if it is installed at any other azimuth angle. In light of these findings, this study concludes by providing guidelines for the application of STPVs in early architectural design.

Effect of Series and Parallel Combination of Photovoltaic Thermal Collectors on the Performances of Integrated Active Solar Still

Abstract In this article, an analytical expression for hourly yield, electrical energy and overall exergy of self-sustained solar still integrated with series and parallel combination of photovoltaic thermal-compound parabolic concentrator (PVT-CPC) collectors have been derived. The analysis is based on the basic energy balance equation of the proposed active solar distillation system. Based on numerical computations, it has been observed that the yield is maximum for all self-sustained PVT-CPC collectors are connected in series (case (i)). Furthermore, the daily yield and exergy increase with the increase of water depth unlike passive solar still for all collectors connected in series. However, overall exergy decreases with an increase of water depth for all collectors connected in parallel (case (iv)). For numerical simulations, the total numbers of self-sustained PVT-CPC collectors has been considered as constant. Furthermore, an effect of series and parallel combination of PVT-CPC collectors on daily yield, electrical energy, and overall exergy has also been carried out. Following additional conclusions have also been drawn: (i) The daily yield of the proposed active solar still decreases with the increase of packing factor of semi-transparent photovoltaic (PV) module for a given water depth and electrical energy and overall exergy increase with water depth for case (i) as expected due to low operating temperature range at higher water depth in the basin. (ii) The daily yield, electrical energy, and overall exergy increase with the increase of water depth for all combination of series and parallel arrangement of PVT-CPC collectors for a packing factor of 0.22 as per our expectation.

Enhancement of daily and monthly electrical power of off-grid greenhouse integrated semi-transparent photo-voltaic thermal (GiSPVT) system by integrating earth air heat exchanger (EAHE)

In this communication, an attempt has been made to evaluate daily and monthly electrical power of off-grid greenhouse integrated semi-transparent photo-voltaic thermal (GiSPVT) system by integrating with earth air heat exchanger (EAHE) under quasi-steady state condition which has not been considered earlier. The analysis is based on basic energy balance equations which are function of climatic and design parameters. Analytical expressions for solar cell temperature and its electrical efficiency, room air and plant temperatures have been derived. Numerical computations have been carried out for a typical day by MATLAB program. The results have also been compared with respect to without earth air heat exchanger (EAHE). Based on outcome of numerical computation, the daily electrical power is increased by 7.5% due to cooling effect of semi-transparent PV module roof of GiSPVT by EAHE. An overall daily exergy of GiSPVT system has been found to be 4.60 × 107 Wh for a packing factor of 0.22. The monthly output of off-grid GiSPVT system is obtained as 861.28 kWh. Finally, the theoretical model has also been validated by experimental results of a typical winter climatic condition without earth air heat exchanger (EAHE) for climatic condition of Ballia (UP), India.

Effect of various materials used for semitransparent solar panel fitted at roof top of a building

In this present work, the effect of various composition of materials used for manufacturing the solar panel and its effect on temperature of floor, room and solar cell has been computed along with the day light savings and electrical efficiency of solar cell. The present work on semi-transparent photovoltaic module built-in at the top of the roof of a building has been carried out in the winter season at Varanasi. The temperature coefficient and the electrical efficiency of the semi-transparent PV module influence the performance of the system. Different kind of silicon material (like Mono-Si, Poly-Si, amorphous Si) and PVT system have been studied and matched with state of art systems. It has been concluded that Photovoltaic Thermal system has been suggested for energy gain and Mono-silicon material for electrical exergy due to decrease in overall exergy efficiency by 4.39%.

Smart and Solar Greenhouse Covers: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives

The examination of recent developments and future perspectives on smart and solar greenhouse covers is significant for commercial agriculture given that traditional greenhouse relied on external energy sources and fossil fuels to facilitate lighting, heating and forced cooling. The aim of this review article was to examine smart and solar materials covering greenhouse. However, the scope was limited to intelligent PhotoVoltaic (PV) systems, optimization of some material properties including smart covers, heat loading and the use of Internet of Things (IoT) to reduce the cost of operating greenhouse. As such, the following thematic areas were expounded in the research; intelligent PV systems, optimization of the Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE), Panel Generator Factor (PGF) and other material properties, heat loading future outlook and perspectives. The intelligent PV section focused on next-generation IoT and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) systems for greenhouse automation while the optimization of material parameters emphasized quantum dots, semi-transparent organic solar cells, Pb-based and Pb-based PVs and three dimensional (3D) printing. The evaluation translated to better understanding of the future outlook of the energy-independent greenhouse. Greenhouse fitted with transparent PV roofs are a sustainable alternative given that the energy generated was 100% renewable and economical. Conservative estimates further indicated that the replacement of conventional sources of energy with solar would translate to 40–60% energy cost savings. The economic savings were demonstrated by the Levelized cost of energy. A key constraint regarded the limited commercialization of emerging innovations, including transparent and semitransparent PV modules made of Pb-quantum dots, and amorphous tungsten oxide (WO3) films, with desirable electrochromic properties such as reversible color changes. In addition to intelligent energy harvesting, smart IoT-based materials embedded with thermal, humidity, and water sensors improved thermal regulation, frost mitigation and prevention, and the management of pests and disease. In turn, this translated to lower post-harvest losses and better yields and revenues.

Energy partitioning and spatial variability of air temperature, VPD and radiation in a greenhouse tunnel shaded by semitransparent organic PV modules

A study related to the application of organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules in greenhouses is presented. It considers the impact of nonhomogeneous shading by semitransparent OPV modules, placed on the cover of a greenhouse tunnel housing a tomato crop, on energy partitioning and the spatial variability of radiation, air temperature and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) within the tunnel. Experiments were conducted in two similar tunnels covered by a diffuse polyethylene sheet. Flexible semitransparent strips of OPV modules were placed on 37% of the roof area of one tunnel, creating an approximately 23% nonhomogeneous shading, while the other tunnel, homogeneously shaded by a 25% black shading net, served as a control greenhouse. The results show that on cloudy days (high diffuse radiation), spatial variability of radiation in the OPV tunnel was smaller than on sunny days (low diffuse radiation). Conversely, variability in air temperature and VPD did not change much with the change in diffuse radiation. Except when diffuse radiation was high, no significant difference in the energy partitioning between nonhomogeneous shading by OPVs and homogeneous shading was observed. Most of the net radiation in the tunnels was converted into latent heat. With a high solar elevation angle, the spatial variability of radiation within the tunnel was higher than with a low solar elevation angle. Additional experiments are needed to determine the best arrangement of semitransparent OPV modules on the roof, without resulting in any significant increase in spatial variability. Agronomic aspects of plant growth under the OPV modules are briefly presented.

Building integrated photovoltaics- an overview

From the older concept of photovoltaic installation, which includes the addition of solar panels to a building’s roof, the construction technology has merged with the photovoltaics technology. The result is Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), in which integrating the architectural, structural and aesthetic component of photovoltaics into buildings. Building integration of photovoltaics (BIPVs) has been recognized worldwide as a pivotal technology enabling the exploitation of innovative renewable energy sources in buildings, acting as electric power generators within the new framework of smart cities. The standard semitransparent photovoltaic (PV) modules can largely replace architectural glass installed in the building envelopes such as roofs, skylights, and facade of a building. Their main features are power generation and transparency, as well as possessing a heat insulating effect. PV glass shows the same mechanical properties as a conventional, architectural glass used in construction. Additionally, it provides free and clean energy. Given these properties, PV Glass maximizes the performance of the building’s envelope. The cost of the PV system and its implementation is still significantly high in comparison to solar thermal systems.
 Keywords: Building Integrated Photovoltaics, renewable energy, power generation, heat insulating effect

Angular loss of window integrated thin film semi-transparent photovoltaic module

When photovoltaic modules are installed in the static window or façade, the solar radiation hardly falls perpendicularly on it. The deviation of radiation from perpendicular incidence incurred an additional loss of energy in photovoltaic systems known as an angular loss. This paper presents an assessment of the angular loss for the semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) module used in a vertical window system. All four geographical orientations have been considered in the analysis. Evaluation of angular loss with module transparency is one of the prime objective and contribution of this research. The analysis has been carried out using measured module characteristics and ‘EnergyPlus’ simulation software. In the study, the angular loss has found to be as high as 8.7% in the considered latitude. The analysis indicates that the angular loss becomes prominent for an angle of incidence (AOI) above 70°. With STPV module transparency, the angular loss has been found to vary by around 25%.

Multi-Criteria Performance Assessment for Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Windows in Different Climate Contexts

Semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) windows, one of the building façade elements, can generate electricity and provide a certain amount of daylight for occupants. Nevertheless, expensive cost and unsatisfying indoor daylight performance in the room are common problems with STPV windows. This study investigates the thermal, daylight, energy, and life-cycle cost performance of STPV windows by considering varied window-to-wall ratios, building orientations, and STPV module types. The electricity balance index (elBI) indicator is proposed as one of the performance evaluation criteria. Two types of building models are established for this study: a rig-test building as the baseline building model and a KAIST campus research facility as the test building model along with the actual measurements and simulations using DesignBuilder. Results show that the STPV window in the Mediterranean climate demonstrates higher efficiency based on the elBI indicator. Decision-making analysis using the analytic hierarchy process and PROMETHEE II found weighting rates of 0.309, 0.076, and 0.465 for elBI, comfort, and cost criteria, respectively. Furthermore, lighting energy consumption becomes a critical variable for STPV module type selection, while a simple ON/OFF lighting control system can improve the elBI value by 0.02 ~ 0.04. Our research findings could potentially improve the decision-making process for building and urban energy systems selection in different climate types.

Effect of movable insulation on performance of the Building integrated Semi-transparent Photovoltaic Thermal (BiSPVT) system for harsh cold climatic conditions: a case study

ABSTRACT Semi-transparent photovoltaic modules are integrated with the building’s rooftop with the provision of movable insulation during off-sunshine hours to reduce the heat losses from room to the ambient. A significant rise in room air temperature of about 6°C at desired hours for cold climatic conditions of Srinagar, India was noted in this study. Also, a metallic drum filled with water has been placed inside the room to reduce the room temperature fluctuations, thus reducing the thermal load leveling. The study is also focused to analyse the simultaneous impact of natural ventilation, direct gain and daylight savings through the south-facing window, thus leading to daylight savings and reducing the dependency on artificial modes of illumination. The effect of water mass and packing factor has also been studied on electrical energy and daylight savings. Analytical expressions for water, metallic drum/tank, room, floor and solar cell temperatures have been derived.

Expression for the electrical efficiency of photovoltaic modules in different photovoltaic thermal (PVT) configurations

In present communication, analytical expressions have been developed for electrical efficiency of an opaque (G-T) and a semitransparent (G-G) Photovoltaic panels in different photovoltaic thermal (PVT) configurations. Water and air are used for withdrawing the heat linked with the solar panel. Four configurations of opaque and semitransparent type PV modules have been discussed here. Namely case I: opaque solar panel where water flows above the module; case II: semitransparent solar panel where water flows above the panel; case III: opaque solar panel where air flows at beneath of the panel through duct and water flows above the panel and case IV: semitransparent solar panel where air flows at beneath of the panel through duct and water flows above the panel have been considered for the present study.It has been observed that case IV gives better results with related to the electrical energy generation among all four cases. Average electrical efficiency is increased by 2.29% and 4.17% respectively from case I to III and from case II–IV.

Optimization of packing factor for maximum electric power and crop yield in greenhouse integrated semi-transparent photo-voltaic thermal (GiSPVT) system in desert land: An experimental study

It is well known that food and energy requirement for human beings is increasing day by day due to the fast increase of population in the world. This can be met by (i) increasing the yield of crop per unit area, (ii) post-harvest losses, and (iii) using the barren land, which is about 19% for crop/vegetable production. The barren land consists of the desert (unfertilized), dry salt flats, beaches, sand dunes, and exposed rocks, etc. The barren land can be used by erecting a self-sustained greenhouse integrated semi-transparent photo-voltaic thermal (GiSPVT) system which can provide both electrical energy as well as crop yield through channel/pot cultivation. In this paper, an attempt has been made to design and install a 30 kWp semi-transparent photo-voltaic module with different packing factors as the south roof of uneven glasshouse over unfertilized land with an effective area of 80 feet by 120 feet. The six crops namely bottle gourd, cucumber, tomatoes, capsicum, broccoli, and French beans have been chosen for off-season cultivation (winter month) inside GiSPVT. The cultivation has been carried out by using the brick channel as well as pot as manure storage over unfertilized land. Parametric studies namely temperature, relative humidity, solar intensity, growth of each plant, root media preparation, etc for maximum yield have been experimentally studied for maximum each crop over a period of October 2020 to February 2021. It has been observed that maximum crop yield has been obtained with the following conditions:(i) Packing factor area of 25% of semi-transparent PV module(ii) The ratio of soil, sand, and organic fertilizer as 40%, 40%, and 20% respectively(iii) The maintaining of CO2 level inside GiSPVT by burning local dung cake(iv) The temperature inside GiSPVT is maintained by an earth heat source, burning local dung cake and reducing heat losses from GiSPVT to ambient air

Performance Analysis of Photovoltaic Integrated Shading Devices (PVSDs) and Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic (STPV) Devices Retrofitted to a Prototype Office Building in a Hot Desert Climate

This paper presents the impact on energy performance and visual comfort of retrofitting photovoltaic integrated shading devices (PVSDs) to the façade of a prototype office building in a hot desert climate. EnergyPlus™ and the DIVA-for-Rhino© plug-ins were used to perform numerical simulations and parametric analyses examining the energy performance and visual comfort of five configurations, namely: (1) inclined single panel PVSDs, (2) unfilled eggcrate PVSDs, (3) a louvre PVSD of ten slats tilted 30° outward, (4) a louvre PVSD of five slats tilted 30° outward, and (5) an STPV module with 20% transparency which were then compared to a reference office building (ROB) model. The field measurements of an off-grid system at various tilt angles provided an optimum tilt angle of 30°. A 30° tilt was then integrated into some of the PVSD designs. The results revealed that the integration of PVSDs significantly improved overall energy performance and reduced glare. The unfilled eggcrate PVSD did not only have the highest conversion efficiency at ȵ 20% but generated extra energy as well; an essential feature in the hot desert climate of Saudi Arabia.

Energy saving strategies in sustainable greenhouse cultivation in the mediterranean climate – A case study

Greenhouse cultivation is one of the most effective and widely used methods which provide a suitable environment for plants growth. The persisting demand for energy in greenhouses represents the main constraint for this cultivation method. Integrating passive technologies and renewable energies can significantly contribute to reducing the energy consumption. This study presents an EnergyPlus dynamic model of a high-efficiency greenhouse, the “Smart Agro-Manufacturing Laboratory” (SamLab), located in Albenga, Italy. The SamLab includes different energy-saving integrated systems: a shading/reflecting system for glazed surfaces, operable windows for natural ventilation, a roof with semitransparent PV modules, and a HVAC system with a ground-coupled heat pump. The EnergyPlus model of the greenhouse considers all interactive components in the energy balance, including the plants, the soil and the internal masses, and comparison are performed to assess the influence of each factor. Moreover, the positive effect of the renewable energies is estimated by comparing the primary energy need associated to the actual innovative plant of the greenhouse (PV modules and ground coupled heat pump) with the energy ideally requested by a traditional plant to satisfy the same request of heating and cooling. The results show that the passive technologies can provide a reduction of nearly 16% of the energy needs, during cooling period. Moreover, the ground coupled heat pump saves around 21% compared to a traditional air conditioning system. The PV energy production have been both measured and predicted with good accuracy; this provides around 44% of the yearly electricity needs for air conditioning needs.