Numerical Investigation on the Performance of Solar Photovoltaic Shading Above Building Window

Sheikh  Zihad Al-Din; Mohammad Ariful  Islam

doi:10.38032/scse.2026.4.302

Authors

Sheikh Zihad Al-Din Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna-9203, Bangladesh
Mohammad Ariful Islam Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna-9203, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38032/scse.2026.4.302

Keywords:

Photovoltaic Shading, Building-Integrated PV, Energyplus, Thermal Comfort, Daylighting

Abstract

Energy consumption in Bangladeshi buildings is rapidly increasing due to growing demand and urbanization. Energy-efficient designs can significantly reduce this consumption while improving thermal comfort. This study investigates the performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules used as external shading devices above building windows under Bangladesh’s climatic conditions. EnergyPlus simulation software was employed to analyze a single-room model with two PV modules (1001 mm × 734 mm each) installed as shading. The analysis focused on solar heat gain, daylighting performance, and electricity generation. Results show that PV shading effectively reduces solar heat gain through windows and generates substantial electricity. For a south-facing window at a 30° tilt, solar heat gain decreased by about 20.82% compared to an unshaded window, while annual electricity generation reached approximately 283.86 kWh/m² - over 20% higher than east or west-facing configurations. However, increasing the tilt angle reduced daylighting levels, potentially increasing the need for artificial lighting. The findings highlight that south-oriented PV shading with a 30° tilt provides the optimal balance between thermal comfort and energy generation for energy-efficient buildings in Bangladesh.

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