Green and cool roof choices integrated into rooftop solar energy modelling

Due to their cooling ability, sustainable roofing configurations, such as green and cool roofs, have the potential increase solar panel yield, which is temperature dependent. However, influence of configurations on yield not yet considered in rooftop photovoltaic (PV) planning models; thus, significance these integrated systems cannot be evaluated. In order quantify benefits rooftops energy, first goal this study develop a method that systematically accounts for roof surface characteristics simulation PV energy yield. To do so, balance model linked with physically-based (the System Advisor Model, SAM) installations configurations. Roof temperatures are estimated using non-linear equations, then into revised version SAM simulate This new improves accuracy simulations, compared prior assumptions equal ambient temperature. updated used second study, understand how four (black membrane, rock ballasted, white vegetated) currently well understood cooler climates. For flat installation near Zurich, Switzerland (temperate climate), results show that, conventional roof, roofs can annual average, by 1.8%, whereas it 3.4%. case-study installation, an inverse correlation between 95th-quantile was identified; 1 °C leads 71 kWh reduction per year. Overall, outperform terms increases yield; however, improvements both non-negligible, even relatively climate regions like Switzerland. By providing systematic evaluate configuration planners able differentiate traditional - step towards coupling distributed building systems. future, could part holistic evaluation environmental, economic, social objectives as, other infrastructure