Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.13044/j.sdewes.d14.0709
Optimising the Design of Solar Photovoltaic Cantilevers on Building Façades to Enhance Energy Efficiency
Lucas Martínez-Rodríguez
; Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
Aaron Jara-Calabuig
; Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
Paula Bastida-Molina
; Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
Ignacio Guillén-Guillamón
; Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
Tomás Gómez-Navarro
; Universitat Poliècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
Abstract
In dense urban areas, limited available space constrains the deployment of renewable energy systems, motivating alternative solutions. Solar photovoltaic cantilevers on building façades offer a promising approach, generating electricity and shading that enhance building energy efficiency. A methodology is proposed to determine the optimal tilt angle, considering both electricity generation and shading-related energy savings. The method is applied to a university building in a Mediterranean climate to evaluate performance under realistic conditions. Results indicate that the optimal photovoltaic cantilever reduces cooling demand by 7% and increases heating demand by 5%, supplies 14% of the building’s electricity with a 4% surplus, and can reduce overall electricity consumption by 16 – 20%. Although focused on a specific case, the findings support broader applications of this approach and highlight its potential as a spatially efficient strategy for advancing energy sustainability in urban buildings.
Keywords
Renewable energy; Solar photovoltaic Cantilevers; Building façades; Building energy efficiency; Energy simulation; Urban sustainability; Decarbonisation of cities.
Hrčak ID:
351021
URI
Publication date:
5.10.2026.
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