Photovoltaic Green Roofs: Sustainable Solutions for Urban Environments

Objective: This study aims to analyze the potential of photovoltaic green roofs as an integrated solution for urban sustainability, focusing on their environmental and energy benefits as well as the challenges to their large-scale implementation in Brazil. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in the intersection of accelerated urbanization, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. Green roofs are known for reducing urban temperatures, improving building insulation, and promoting biodiversity. When combined with photovoltaic systems, they can enhance energy efficiency by lowering the panels’ operating temperature. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted from 2010 to 2025, based on 507 articles identified in databases such as CAPES and Google Scholar. The selection included studies on typologies, energy efficiency, shading, evapotranspiration, biodiversity, and structural limitations. Results and Discussion: Findings indicate that vegetation beneath solar panels can reduce their temperature by up to 20%, increasing efficiency by approximately 8%. Hybrid roofs also contribute to thermal comfort, rainwater retention, and mitigation of the urban heat island effect. However, challenges remain, including high initial costs, lack of incentives, and the absence of technical regulations tailored to the Brazilian context. Research Implications: This study provides insights for public policy, urban planning, and future research on climate adaptation in urban areas. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the field of sustainable urban studies by exploring the integration of vegetation and solar energy—an underexplored topic in Brazil—highlighting a promising approach for more resilient and sustainable cities.