How can solar energy be used in high-rise buildings?

These strategies can be applied and adapted to high-rise buildings by using direct solar gain, indirect solar gain, isolated solar gain, thermal storage mass and passive cooling systems. On the other hand, considering active solar technologies can also add extra potential by providing part of the building necessary energy demands.

Can high-rise buildings gain solar radiation?

Finally, high-rise buildings have great potential to gain solar radiations because of their vast facades. Analyzing case studies illustrate that applying solar passive strategies in high-rise buildings have a meaningful effect on reducing the total annual cooling and heating energy demand.

Should you invest in solar power for a high-rise building?

When considering solar power for a high-rise building, managers often find that the return on investment is attractive in spite of the space limitations. Tall buildings tend to have very high air conditioning expenses during summer, since they have an ample wall area that is constantly reached by sunlight.

Is a solar photovoltaic system a good option for high-rise buildings?

Although high-rise buildings have a small rooftop area compared with total indoor area, a solar photovoltaic system can still achieve an excellent financial performance. The electricity generation will be small compared with the total building consumption, but also keep in mind that the installation is affordable due to its small size.

Do high-rise buildings need a photovoltaic array?

In the case of high-rise buildings, one of the main limitations for owning a photovoltaic array is the limited rooftop space. However, the payback period and return on investment are attractive.

How to design a solar home?

In design, the most occupied living spaces should be considered on the solar side. In order to absorb the heat and set thermal inertia that decrease the temperature fluctuations inside the building, the floor should be constructed from high thermal masses.