The Application of PVT Panel in Commercial Buildings and Public Institutions

Introduction

In recent years, the global energy landscape has been undergoing profound changes. Climate change, fluctuations in energy prices and the proposal of the carbon neutrality goal have continuously enhanced the importance of clean energy in various fields. As an emerging technology for comprehensive utilization of solar energy, photovoltaic and thermal integration (PVT) has shown great application potential in commercial buildings and public institutions due to its ability to generate both electricity and heat simultaneously. Unlike simple photovoltaic power generation or solar thermal systems, PVT can maximize the utilization efficiency of roof or exterior wall area, thereby achieving higher energy output within a limited space. This article will delve into the value of PVT in commercial buildings and public institutions from aspects such as application requirements, typical cases, economic benefits, environmental benefits, and future prospects.

I. Energy Demand Characteristics of Commercial Buildings and Public Institutions

Compared with ordinary residences, commercial buildings and public institutions have the following notable characteristics in energy usage:

The scale of energy demand is large

Commercial complexes, shopping centers, hotels, hospitals and schools, etc., have large floor areas and diverse functions, and their demands for electricity and hot water are higher than those of households.

The diversification of energy demands

In addition to lighting, cooling, heating and elevator operation, such buildings also require a large amount of hot water and air conditioning systems. Some hospitals and catering institutions even need low-temperature steam or hot water disinfection.

The distribution of energy consumption time is relatively concentrated

Energy consumption during working days and the daytime is generally higher than that at night, which is highly consistent with the power generation and heat collection characteristics of solar energy.

Energy conservation, emission reduction and social demonstration role

Public institutions and large commercial facilities are often landmark buildings of a city, which are of great significance in terms of external image and energy-saving demonstration. The adoption of advanced clean energy technologies can bring additional social benefits.

Ii. The manifestation of PVT's technical advantages in the construction field

High space utilization

The roof space of commercial buildings is usually limited, but the energy demand is huge. The PVT system resolves the competitive relationship between photovoltaic and solar thermal systems during installation by achieving both power generation and heat supply through a single panel.

Energy efficiency improvement

The comprehensive efficiency of the PVT system can reach 70% to 80%, which is much higher than that of a single system. For commercial facilities with high energy consumption, this means significant energy-saving effects.

Improve the performance of photovoltaic modules

The heat on the back of the photovoltaic panels is carried away by the flow of liquid or air, which not only improves the utilization of thermal energy but also keeps the temperature of the photovoltaic modules low and extends their lifespan.

Save operation and maintenance costs

Integrating the two systems can reduce the complexity of pipelines, supports and control systems, thereby lowering long-term operation and maintenance costs.

Iii. Typical Application Cases

Hotel industry

The hotel has a huge demand for hot water and requires a large amount of electricity to support lighting, air conditioning and kitchen equipment. After some European hotels installed PVT systems on their rooftops, over 80% of the hot water in their guest rooms is supplied by solar energy, and the electricity is self-generated and self-consumed, significantly reducing energy bills.

Hospitals and nursing homes

Hospitals operate 24 hours a day. Medical equipment, refrigeration systems, and elevator operation consume a large amount of electricity. At the same time, hot water is needed for wards, catering, and cleaning. The PVT system can provide hot water for bathing and disinfection while ensuring power supply. Some hospitals in Germany have adopted BIPVT (Building-Integrated Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal) exterior walls, which not only improve the appearance of the buildings but also meet part of the energy demands.

School and university campuses

The dormitories and canteens in the school have a high demand for hot water, and the electricity demand for classrooms and laboratories is also considerable. The installation of PVT not only reduces the operating costs of schools but also serves as a science and education exhibition project to popularize knowledge about new energy among students.

Shopping centers and office buildings

The peak energy consumption of these buildings during the day is highly consistent with the solar radiation curve. The electricity generated by the PVT system can be directly used in the air conditioning system, and the heat can be used for central hot water supply or heating, thereby enhancing the energy self-sufficiency rate.

Iv. Economic Benefit Analysis

Reduce energy costs

The electricity price for commercial buildings is usually higher than that for residential buildings. PVT can significantly reduce electricity and fuel costs by generating and consuming its own electricity and replacing gas water heating systems.

Shorten the payback period of investment

Although the initial investment in PVT is higher than that of a single system, due to its more significant energy-saving effect, the long-term return is more considerable. Some cases in Europe show that the payback period of PVT investment is between 6 and 8 years.

Enhance the property value

For commercial real estate, green and energy-saving certifications (such as LEED and BREEAM) can enhance the market value and rental appeal of buildings. As one of the green energy configurations, PVT has a positive effect on asset appreciation.

V. Environmental and Social Benefits

Carbon emission reduction

The carbon emissions from commercial buildings and public institutions are considerable. The PVT system not only replaces part of the thermal power but also reduces the gas consumption of boilers. According to estimates, if a 5,000-square-meter office building is equipped with a 100kW PVT system, it can reduce hundreds of tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Demonstration effect

The installation of PVT in public institutions is not only an energy-saving measure but also a manifestation of policy orientation. It conveys a signal to society about the feasibility and necessity of clean energy, which can prompt other industries to follow suit.

Improve the urban energy structure

Large-scale commercial buildings are widely distributed in city centers. The distributed energy characteristics of PVT help reduce reliance on urban power grids and alleviate peak loads.

Vi. Challenges Faced in Applications

The initial cost is relatively high

For schools or public institutions with limited budgets, the high installation cost of PVT remains an obstacle.

The technical standards are not yet unified

Compared with single photovoltaic or solar thermal, PVT lacks globally unified standards in terms of installation, inspection and operation and maintenance.

Limitations of architectural design

Not all building roofs or exterior walls are suitable for installing PVT, especially old buildings that may require additional reinforcement and renovation.

Insufficient market awareness

Many building owners or managers have insufficient understanding of PVT and still remain stuck in the concept of traditional photovoltaic or solar water heaters.

Vii. Future Development Directions

Policy support and subsidies

As the carbon neutrality strategy advances, more countries may offer financial or tax incentives to PVT projects in the future.

Integrate with smart buildings

If PVT can be linked with the building energy management system to achieve intelligent dispatching of electricity and heat energy, it will greatly enhance efficiency.

The combination of energy storage and PVT

Storing electrical energy in batteries and thermal energy in phase change materials or hot water tanks can solve the problem of asynchronous energy consumption and generation.

Integrated architectural design

Through BIPVT technology, PVT modules are directly used as part of the roof or curtain wall, which is both aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient.

Viii. Conclusion

In commercial buildings and public institutions, PVT systems, with their efficient space utilization and comprehensive energy output capabilities, can significantly reduce operating costs, cut carbon emissions, and enhance the green image of buildings. Despite the challenges in terms of cost, standards and promotion, with policy support and technological progress, PVT is expected to become an important component of green buildings in the future. For businesses and public institutions that pursue energy independence and low-carbon development, PVT is not only an energy-saving technology but also a strategic choice for the future.