Towards Zero-Energy Buildings: A Comparative Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis of Rooftop PV and BIPV Systems

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in buildings is crucial for reducing reliance on conventional energy sources while promoting sustainability. This study evaluates and compares three energy generation systems: rooftop PV, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and a hybrid combination...

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Main Authors: Mohammad Hassan Shahverdian, Mohammadreza Najaftomaraei, Arash Fassadi Chimeh, Negin Yavarzadeh, Ali Sohani, Ramtin Javadijam, Hoseyn Sayyaadi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Buildings
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/999
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author Mohammad Hassan Shahverdian
Mohammadreza Najaftomaraei
Arash Fassadi Chimeh
Negin Yavarzadeh
Ali Sohani
Ramtin Javadijam
Hoseyn Sayyaadi
author_facet Mohammad Hassan Shahverdian
Mohammadreza Najaftomaraei
Arash Fassadi Chimeh
Negin Yavarzadeh
Ali Sohani
Ramtin Javadijam
Hoseyn Sayyaadi
author_sort Mohammad Hassan Shahverdian
collection DOAJ
description The integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in buildings is crucial for reducing reliance on conventional energy sources while promoting sustainability. This study evaluates and compares three energy generation systems: rooftop PV, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and a hybrid combination of both. The analysis covers energy production, economic feasibility through the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), and environmental impact by assessing unreleased carbon dioxide (UCD). A residential building in Kerman, Iran, serves as the case study. The results indicate that rooftop PV exhibits the lowest LCOE at USD 0.023/kWh, while BIPV has a higher LCOE of USD 0.077/kWh due to installation complexities. The hybrid system, combining both technologies, achieves a balance with an LCOE of USD 0.05/kWh while maximizing energy generation at 16.2 MWh annually. Additionally, the hybrid system reduces CO<sub>2</sub> emissions by 9.7 tons per year, surpassing the standalone rooftop PV (5.0 tons) and BIPV (4.7 tons). The findings highlight the synergistic benefits of integrating both PV systems, ensuring higher self-sufficiency and enhanced environmental impact. This research underscores the necessity of comprehensive urban energy planning to optimize renewable energy utilization and accelerate the transition toward zero-energy buildings.
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spelling doaj-art-efebccf9a9b34f69bac5a61c90d935702025-08-20T03:08:44ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-03-0115799910.3390/buildings15070999Towards Zero-Energy Buildings: A Comparative Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis of Rooftop PV and BIPV SystemsMohammad Hassan Shahverdian0Mohammadreza Najaftomaraei1Arash Fassadi Chimeh2Negin Yavarzadeh3Ali Sohani4Ramtin Javadijam5Hoseyn Sayyaadi6Lab of Optimization of Thermal Systems’ Installations, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering-Energy Division, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, P.O. Box 19395-1999, No. 15-19, Pardis St., Mollasadra Ave., Vanak Sq., Tehran 1999 143344, IranDepartment of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ostim Technical University, Ankara 06374, TurkeyDepartment of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3E5, CanadaDepartment of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3E5, CanadaDepartment of Enterprise Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, ItalyLab of Optimization of Thermal Systems’ Installations, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering-Energy Division, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, P.O. Box 19395-1999, No. 15-19, Pardis St., Mollasadra Ave., Vanak Sq., Tehran 1999 143344, IranLab of Optimization of Thermal Systems’ Installations, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering-Energy Division, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, P.O. Box 19395-1999, No. 15-19, Pardis St., Mollasadra Ave., Vanak Sq., Tehran 1999 143344, IranThe integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in buildings is crucial for reducing reliance on conventional energy sources while promoting sustainability. This study evaluates and compares three energy generation systems: rooftop PV, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and a hybrid combination of both. The analysis covers energy production, economic feasibility through the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), and environmental impact by assessing unreleased carbon dioxide (UCD). A residential building in Kerman, Iran, serves as the case study. The results indicate that rooftop PV exhibits the lowest LCOE at USD 0.023/kWh, while BIPV has a higher LCOE of USD 0.077/kWh due to installation complexities. The hybrid system, combining both technologies, achieves a balance with an LCOE of USD 0.05/kWh while maximizing energy generation at 16.2 MWh annually. Additionally, the hybrid system reduces CO<sub>2</sub> emissions by 9.7 tons per year, surpassing the standalone rooftop PV (5.0 tons) and BIPV (4.7 tons). The findings highlight the synergistic benefits of integrating both PV systems, ensuring higher self-sufficiency and enhanced environmental impact. This research underscores the necessity of comprehensive urban energy planning to optimize renewable energy utilization and accelerate the transition toward zero-energy buildings.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/9993E analysisrooftop PVbuilding-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV)zero energy buildingbuilding facade
spellingShingle Mohammad Hassan Shahverdian
Mohammadreza Najaftomaraei
Arash Fassadi Chimeh
Negin Yavarzadeh
Ali Sohani
Ramtin Javadijam
Hoseyn Sayyaadi
Towards Zero-Energy Buildings: A Comparative Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis of Rooftop PV and BIPV Systems
Buildings
3E analysis
rooftop PV
building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV)
zero energy building
building facade
title Towards Zero-Energy Buildings: A Comparative Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis of Rooftop PV and BIPV Systems
title_full Towards Zero-Energy Buildings: A Comparative Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis of Rooftop PV and BIPV Systems
title_fullStr Towards Zero-Energy Buildings: A Comparative Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis of Rooftop PV and BIPV Systems
title_full_unstemmed Towards Zero-Energy Buildings: A Comparative Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis of Rooftop PV and BIPV Systems
title_short Towards Zero-Energy Buildings: A Comparative Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis of Rooftop PV and BIPV Systems
title_sort towards zero energy buildings a comparative techno economic and environmental analysis of rooftop pv and bipv systems
topic 3E analysis
rooftop PV
building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV)
zero energy building
building facade
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/999
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