On the design, evaluation and performance of an energy efficient solar house with integrated photovoltaics

Abstract

The design, construction and performance monitoring of an energy efficient house with integrated photovoltaics is considered. Unlike conventional housing, the house design combines energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies into one building structure. The objective of the study was to investigate the feasibility of using energy efficient solar designs to regulate indoor thermal environment, and determine thecost effectiveness and environmental benefits of such housing designs. The use of ordinary photovoltaic panels as a building element for South Africa’s latitude and meteorological conditions was also investigated. The house model was designed using Autodesk Revit architecture and Ecotect building simulation software. Electrical performance was analyzed using RETScreen and PVDesignPRO software. In addition to passive solar design features and clerestory windows, the design has solar water heaters for hot water supply. The designed energy efficient building integrated photovoltaic (EEBIPV) house was built at the University of Fort Hare. A 3.8 kW BIPV generator was mounted on the north facing roof in such a way that the solar panels replace conventional roofing material. A data acquisition system that monitors thermal and electrical performance was installed. The grid independent house has been occupied since February 2009 and its winter indoor thermal efficiency improved from 70 to more than 78% after ceiling installation. Models for indoor thermal performance and BIPV energy and exergy contributions were developed. The avoided energy consumption from the grid has potential to reduce carbon emissions by 12.41 tons per annum. The total building cost per m2 of floor area compares favourably with the cost of commercial middle-to-upper income domestic housing units without energy efficiency measures and building integrated photovoltaics. The research output provides a good framework for the integration of passive solar designs, natural ventilation and lighting, solar water heaters and building integrated photovoltaics into new and existing housing units.Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 201