This paper proposes an integrated simulation framework for both building design and energy performance analysis. Literature review shows that, although many studies exist, most of them did not fully consider the integrated techno-economic evaluation of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system. Therefore, this research aims to use the interoperability potential offered by applying a building information modelling BIM-friendly software to an integrated simulation tool to conduct a comprehensive techno-economic evaluation of a BIPV system in a building cluster. Through visual integration in a digital mock-up, the solar irradiation, surrounding shadings, BIPV location, BIPV components/system (string, inverter, battery), and economic analysis have been performed on a residential building cluster located in Ludvika, Sweden. The results show the optimal location for the 615 m² BIPV system with a yielding of 27,394 kWh/year. Under the defined boundary conditions, the payback period is 10 years in the mixed feed-in and self-consumption mode, over its 20 years’ life span. Further sensitivity analysis of 18 cases is carried out in order to evaluate the impact of installation position (capacity), future climate change, shadings, and operating mode. This study will help improve decision-making by analysing the impact of the aforementioned factors on a BIPV system techno-economic performance.

The deployment of solar photovoltaics (PV) and electric vehicles (EVs) is continuously increasing during urban energy transition. With the increasing deployment of energy storage, the development of the energy sharing concept and the associated advanced controls, the conventional solar mobility model (i.e., solar-to-vehicles (S2V), using solar energy in a different location) and context are becoming less compatible and limited for future scenarios. For instance, energy sharing within a building cluster enables buildings to share surplus PV power generation with other buildings of insufficient PV power generation, thereby improving the overall PV power utilization and reducing the grid power dependence. However, such energy sharing techniques are not considered in the conventional solar mobility models, which limits the potential for performance improvements. Therefore, this study conducts a systematic review of solar mobility-related studies as well as the newly developed energy concepts and techniques. Based on the review, this study extends the conventional solar mobility scope from S2V to solar-to-buildings, vehicles and storage (S2BVS). A detailed modeling of each sub-system in the S2BVS model and related advanced controls are presented, and the research gaps that need future investigation for promoting solar mobility are identified. The aim is to provide an up-to-date review of the existing studies related to solar mobility to decision makers, so as to help enhance solar power utilization, reduce buildings’ and EVs’ dependence and impacts on the power grid, as well as carbon emissions.

Solar photovoltaic thermal (PVT) is an emerging technology capable of producing electrical and thermal energy using a single collector. However, to achieve larger market penetration of this technology, it is imperative to have an understanding of the energetic performance for different climatic conditions and the economic performance under various financial scenarios. This paper thus presents a techno-economic evaluation of a typical water-based PVT system for a single-family house to generate electricity and domestic hot water applications in 85 locations worldwide. The simulations are performed using a validated tool with one-hour time step for output. The thermal performance of the collector is evaluated using energy utilization ratio and exergy efficiency as key performance indicators, which are further visualized by the digital mapping approach. The economic performance is assessed using net present value and payback period under two financial scenarios: (1) total system cost as a capital investment in the first year; (2) only 25% of total system cost is a capital investment and the remaining 75% investment is considered for a financing period with a certain interest rate. The results show that such a PVT system has better energy and exergy performance for the locations with a low annual ambient temperature and vice versa. Furthermore, it is seen that the system boundaries, such as load profile, hot water storage volume, etc., can have a significant effect on the annual energy production of the system. Economic analysis indicates that the average net present values per unit collector area are 1800 and 2200 EUR, respectively, among the 85 cities for financial model 1 and financial model 2. Nevertheless, from the payback period point of view, financial model 1 is recommended for locations with high interest rate. The study is helpful to set an understanding of general factors influencing the techno-economic performance dynamics of PVT systems for various locations.