Integrating rooftop PV system in low-cost building plan: A pathway to improving energy access and environmental sustainability
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study examines the feasibility of integrating enhanced rooftop PV systems into low-cost building designs by optimizing roof pitch angles and employing two-sided gable PV module mounting. Computational modelling was used to evaluate the impact of roof pitch angles on PV potential and system performance. Key meteorological parameters at the location (6.52° latitude, 6.29972° longitude) include monthly irradiance of 140–165 kWh/m 2 , an annual GHI of 1926.01 kWh/m 2 , and an average temperature of 25.9 °C. While the theoretical optimal tilt for maximum energy production at this location is 5.67° (calculated as 6.52°*0.87), practical considerations favour a roof pitch 25°. Among pitch angles tested (from 25° to 45°), 25° provided the minimum area required to accommodate 80 PV panels (300 W each), achieving a system capacity of 24 kW. At this tilt, the PV modules received 1778.03 kWh/m 2 /year, slightly less than the 1899.13 kWh/m 2 /year at the theoretical tilt, but sufficient for practical implementation. In two-sided gable mounting, the south-facing roof receives higher global radiation (1845.93 kWh/m 2 ) compared to the north-facing roof (1710.12 kWh/m 2 ), resulting in 6.8 % higher annual energy generation. The performance ratios (PR) of the south- and north-facing roofs are 86.09 % and 87.04 %, respectively, with the north-facing roof demonstrating slightly better efficiency due to favourable operating conditions. This highlights the importance of roof orientation and pitch in optimizing PV system performance for low-cost building integration.
Source: Energy and Buildings
Authors: Williams S. Ebhota, Pavel Y. Tabakov
Institution: Durban University of Technology
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,260
Funder: Durban University of Technology
OpenAlex ID: W4411196791