Energy and Daylighting Performance of Kinetic Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Façade

The deployment of renewable energy in the construction industry has emerged as a crucial topic due to the building sector’s substantial energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) offers a promising solution, replacing conventional building materials with solar energy-generating components. Moreover, retrofitting commercial buildings with BIPV and kinetic façades present an innovative approach to improve energy efficiency and enhance occupant well-being. Adaptive façades, capable of responding to varying climatic conditions, play a pivotal role in reducing energy consumption while ensuring thermal and visual comfort for occupants. By integrating solar generation and shading capabilities, BIPV kinetic façades deliver dual benefits, optimizing energy performance and reducing lifecycle costs, compared to traditional PV systems. Furthermore, effective daylighting strategies not only contribute to energy savings but also positively impact occupant productivity and comfort. Despite predominant research focusing on energy aspects, there is a notable gap in comprehensive assessments that integrate environmental, economic, and daylighting considerations. Therefore, evaluating Australian commercial buildings’ energy and daylighting performance with BIPV kinetic façades provides valuable insights for advancing sustainable building designs and operations in the region. The implementation of kinetic BIPV façades in Melbourne reduced energy consumption by 18% and covered 26% of energy demand, achieving the target daylighting levels.