BIPV Roof Tiles: Effect of Locations on Energy Cost Savings

Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) materials have a great potential of being used as a source of renewable energy for buildings. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between energy savings due the use of BIPV roof tiles and heating and cooling degree days. A total number of 35 sites, 7 each from five climatic zones in the United States, were randomly selected for the study. The data for heating and cooling degree days was collected from published sources. Energy cost savings estimates for BIPV roofing at 35 different locations were done using a simulation model developed by National Renewable Energy Laboratory. A general linear model was used to find out the effect of heating degree days, cooling degree days, and location of the buildings on energy cost savings. The results of the analysis indicate that energy cost savings for residential buildings using BIPV roof tiles are affected by heating degree days and location of a building. Cooling degree days did have any relationship with energy cost savings.