Publication: Analysis of performance and cost of vertical building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) with bifacial solar panel in Malaysia
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Date
2023-08
Authors
Matthew, Tan Hong Keng
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Abstract
The utilization of renewable energy sources has become increasingly important in recent years owning to the need for sustainable development. One such renewable energy source is solar energy, which has the potential to provide a significant amount of electricity. This study examines the effectiveness of a vertical building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system with bifacial solar panels in Malaysia. The study was conducted by analyzing the performance of the BIPV system with bifacial solar panels installed on the facade of a building in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. The bifacial solar panels used in the system could capture sunlight from both sides, which increased the overall energy output of the system. A mock-up vertical BIPV system was set up using a bifacial panel with an aluminum back surface. The output of the system was measured using a data logger and compared to a conventional panel setup. The back surface material was manipulated to determine its effect on energy production. The cost of the system is then estimated. The results of the study showed that the vertical BIPV system with bifacial solar panels could generate a significant amount of electricity, which could make vertical BIPV a viable design in Malaysia. In addition, aluminum has been found to be the better material of reflector. The study also showed that the system was slightly more costly due to the lower efficiency compared to conventional setup. In conclusion, the use of a vertical BIPV system with bifacial solar panels has the potential to be an effective way to generate electricity in Malaysia or any other country with similar latitude. The ability of the system to generate sustainable energy while providing advantage such as thermal insulation, noise insulation, and aesthetic improvement make it an attractive option for net-zero energy building developments. As such, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers, designers, and developers in promoting the development of renewable energy in Malaysia.