Review of the Different Building-Integrated Solar Technologies

Abstract

The transformation of urban areas into more self-sufficient and carbon-free places is indispensable in the fight against climate change. 36% of global energy consumption comes from buildings, mainly in cities. If all available and suitable surfaces of these buildings were covered with solar devices, up to 22% of the electricity demand could be supplied, according to an EU study. One of the most advanced and aesthetically pleasing techniques is that of building- integrated technologies, whether they are photovoltaic modules producing electricity or solar thermal collectors producing heat. The main objective of this thesis is to carry out an extended literature review of all existing building- integrated technologies and the methods used to integrate them. In addition, a small compilation of the most relevant projects completed to date will be presented, and proposals will be made for Cranfield University to move closer to zero-emission energy consumption.