(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2011-07-25)
Caballero, Sandra Catalina
In the current global market, there are plenty solutions for the savings of energy in
the different areas of consumption in buildings: Green roofs and walls, cool roofs,
daylighting, motion sensors, and others but there are very few sources of renewable
energy at the reach of a common person in residential (smaller) scale. Photovoltaic
systems are the most well-know and reliable process of harvesting energy at this small
scale.
The relationship between energy demand and energy production when installing a
photovoltaics system in a residence is one of the main drivers while making a decision at
the time of purchasing a system. However, architectural decisions in early stages may
influence, enhance or even decrease the possible energy generation and interior
performance, thus influencing the possible return of investment. This study evaluates the
possible architectural variations that may be beneficial or disadvantegous at a particular city
and other circumstances.
From, roof, angle, location, roof articulation, layout articulation , shading devices
and others, this paper shows a spectrum of convenient and inconvenient projects due to
current conditions like climate, solar radiation, typical construction, electricity rates and
government incentives. As a conclusion a hierarchy of architectural elements when being
used with photovoltaics is developed to demonstrate that a common user can strategically
play with architectural features of his/her house to take the most out of the system.