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How does a thin-film PV system affect cooling loads on a building?

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Abstract
Using calculated cooling loads and calculated energy generated by a photovoltaic (PV) system, it was determined that the additional cooling load caused by a thin-film PV surface requires no more than 2.5% of the electricity generated by the PV system itself. The added cooling load is due to the lower solar reflectance of the PV surface itself. The minimal penalty in added electricity needed for the higher cooling load is based on a newly constructed building with code-compliant insulation and new air conditioning units with high coefficient of performance values. In a renovated building with a retrofit roof, lower insulation values will be encountered, and a less efficient air conditioning until will be in place.
Date
7/2009
Author(s)
Scott Kriner
Page(s)
6-12
Keyword(s)
photovoltaic; thin film; PV; cooling load


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