Energy Performance Evaluation of PV Glazing for Building Application in Different Climate Zones

This research assesses energy performance of photovoltaic (PV) glazing and PV vacuum glazing for application in a high-rise building in five major climate zones in China. The annual energy performance of the PV glazing is simulated applied in a high-rise building based on the EnergyPlus and System Advisor Model platform compare with the PV vacuum glazing, single glazing and insulated glazing unit. The net present value is calculated to evaluate the economic performance of the PV glazing applied in different climate. The results show that the energy consumption of the PV vacuum glazing compare with single glazing is decrease by 8.30% in severe cold (Harbin), 10.86% in cold (Beijing), 10.01% in hot summer and cold winter (Shanghai), 12.52% in hot summer and warm winter (Guangzhou) and 12.05% in moderate climate (Kunming), respectively. The air-conditioning energy consumption of the PV glazing and the PV vacuum glazing is decreased by 26.7% to 32.35% compare with the single glazing. The annual power generation of the PV glazing is 1225.47 MWh in Harbin, 1203.93 MWh in Beijing, 1005.82 MWh in Shanghai, 894.73 MWh in Guangzhou and 1077.38 MWh in Kunming, respectively. The net present value of the 25-year service life of the PV glazing is -0.34 million CNY in Harbin, -0.69 million CNY in Beijing, -3.43 million CNY in Shanghai, -4.91 million CNY in Guangzhou and -2.60 million CNY in Kunming, respectively. This research can provide guidance for optimizing key configuration parameters of the PV glazing to improve the energy performance in different climate.