The simulation of photovoltaic-integrated building facades

This paper describes a recent extension to the ESPr system concerned with the simulation of facade and roof-integrated photovoltaic modules. The algorithms are described for predicting electrical power output as a function of module characteristics, incident solar radiation and module temperature. The integration of the algorithm within ESP-r’s air and power flow network models, to facilitate hybrid photovoltaic system studies, is also described. The paper concludes with a description of the outcome from an integrated appraisal of a building incorporating a photovoltaic facade.