Building Integrated Photo Voltaic Panels for Achieving Net Zero Energy in Tropical Climatic Conditions
摘要
Globally, the need for power to sustain the buildings of future cities is a critical aspect, and finding solutions for the further way forward is a matter of immediate concern for all of us. If the primary concern is about the structural stability of the building, then the subsequent concern is about its energy usage. Net Zero Energy will be the fundamental approach of future buildings in our cities. To achieve Net Zero Energy, solar power is employed which is available perennially, depending upon the latitude and longitude of the location of the building in any city. Building an Integrated Photovoltaic system aids in achieving the Net Zero Energy condition for buildings. A pilot project to this extent was launched to understand the scope of Building Integrated Photovoltaic. Systematic approach and analysis were also carried out to validate the possibility of Building Integrated Photovoltaic technology in buildings to achieve Net Zero Energy Condition. The PV panels are installed vertically oriented towards the cardinal sides in Chennai city, the capital of the southernmost Tamil Nadu state in India. The thumb rule of tilting the solar panels to 13 degrees facing south and its corresponding solar insolation are also recorded on an hourly basis and daily starting from December 22, 2023. The duration of this study will go for one full solar cycle starting from the winter solstice to the summer solstice and back to the winter solstice. The comparative study will open the doors for Building Integrated Photovoltaic usage in buildings and the best possible orientation corresponding to the location of the building, which will give more insight into how to achieve NZE conditions. Analysis and further inferences are derived from the study.