Investigation of solar potential of housing units in different neighborhood designs

The paper presents a methodology for investigating the influence of three major parameters in the design of two-storey housing units in different neighborhood layouts, on solar energy utilization potential. The parameters are geometric shapes of individual units, density of units and site layouts. Rectangular and L shape with different values of the angle enclosed between the wings of this shape are studied. The density parameter is represented by detached and multiplexed units. The effect of parallel rows of units is also studied. Site layouts include a straight road and south and north facing semi-circular roads. The EnergyPlus simulation package is used to simulate 26 configurations consisting of combinations of the parameter values. Effects are evaluated as the change from reference configurations of the response parameters – incident and transmitted irradiation of facades and integrated PV electricity generation. The results indicate that the total electricity generation is governed by active roof surface area which is affected by both shape and orientation. Up to 50% increase in electricity generation can be achieved in some housing units of certain configurations, compared to the reference. Variation of surface orientation, particularly in curved layouts enables the spread of peak electricity generation over up to 6 h.

► The solar potential of various neighborhood patterns is investigated.
► The effects of housing units’ shapes, their density and the site layouts are studied.
► Several shape designs enable maximizing the roof area for photovoltaic integration.
► Some configurations provide larger solar potential than others in a specific site.
► Surfaces’ orientation design enables significant shift of peak electricity generation.