![]() ![]() ![]() For more insight into this aspect of achieving net-zero energy, see “Assessment of the Technical Potential for Achieving Net Zero-Energy Buildings in the Commercial Sector,” published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the U.S. Some subsectors, such as warehouse, retail, and education, offer better opportunities to achieve the net-zero-energy building goal than other subsectors, such as hospitals, food services, or laboratories. Of course, this depends on several parameters such as the building’s location, how many floors it has, its principal use, and its plug and process loads. Studies show that the majority of buildings have the technical potential to achieve the net-zero energy goals by covering 50% of their rooftop with photovoltaics – and many of them could produce even more electricity than they consume. One common concern is whether the rooftop area is large enough to hold a PV system that will cover the energy needs of the building. The Edge, the Amsterdam headquarters of Deloitte Netherlands that I referenced in my previous post, is an example of a building that uses BIPV. ![]() Another option for new PV installations is to integrate them into the building architecture in what has become known as building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Alternatively, they can use the car parking space, where in addition to producing energy, they provide protection to cars and individuals from sun and rain. Photovoltaics are a good fit for buildings where they can occupy the unused rooftop area. ![]() To make the technology even more attractive, the cost of PV systems has significantly decreased in recent years and the technologies also have become more efficient. PV energy production has several benefits: solar energy is unlimited and available worldwide it does not emit greenhouse gases (GHG) or other pollutants during operation PV panels are silent and PV systems require little maintenance. Photovoltaic (PV) is the leading renewable energy technology for buildings. Solar/photovoltaic: a clean and cost-competitive energy source This post examines the various ways to achieve net-zero energy in buildings. To achieve the overall objective of mastering and optimizing energy use while also becoming more independent of the electrical grid, these energy resources can be coupled with storage or other more stable electricity generation technologies, such as combined heat and power generation (CHP). Consisting primarily of photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine systems, these renewable technologies are, however, variable, intermittent energy producers. Several renewable technologies that are commercially available today can completely cover the consumption needs of buildings. I described this two-pronged approach in general in the previous post in this series.Īlthough reducing energy use is important, the truly exciting prospects for managing building energy needs lie with incorporating renewable energy resources into the built environment. The net-zero energy goal being widely adopted requires a significant reduction of building energy consumption as well as the integration of clean, renewable local generation. The prevalence of green buildings is growing all around the world, encouraged and frequently even required by both client demand and government policies. ![]()
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