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The photovoltaic (PV) system performance essentially depends on the modules response to five effects: spectral, reflection, temperature, irradiance, and nominal power variations. Providing a full characterization of modules behavior in terms of the impact of these effects on real operating conditions performance is very important both to compare different PV technologies and to choose the best technology for a specific site, position, and installation feature. In this work, a systematic approach is used. A theoretical model to calculate the performance ratio related to each effect is proposed. The model is used to compare and to explain the annual behavior of two different technologies: a multicrystalline silicon module (mc-Si) and a double junction amorphous silicon module (a-Si/DJ). The basic features of these modules performance are observed

As is known, a reduction in CO 2 emissions is closely related to the improvement of energy efficiency and the increasing use of renewable energy sources in building stock due to its high contribution to worldwide energy consumption. The retail sector has become particularly interesting in this sense, because commercial buildings are no longer just places where a variety of services are offered to customers. In fact, they can be beacons of energy efficiency. In this paper, we propose a predictive energy control strategy that, through the combination of production and demand forecasting, can effectively shave and shift the peak consumption of shopping malls equipped with battery energy storage systems (BESS). The adopted optimization strategy takes into account the variability of electricity tariffs over time, as is customary in some European countries. The performed energy and economic simulations based on the experimental data collected in an Italian shopping mall clearly highlight the benefits in terms of energy and economic savings. Moreover, the reported results lead to the conclusion that BESS management, photovoltaic (PV) generation, and peak switch strategies can have a reasonable pay-back investment time even for buildings with a large energy demand.reason, a variety of smart building energy management systems (BEMS), e.g., based on a multi-agent architecture (MAS) have been proposed in the scientific literature [3]. For instance, a specific strategy based on case-reasoning is presented in [4], where it is clearly explained that the reduction of building consumption depends not only on a proper coordination of devices (or agents), but it should take into account human behavior as well. Despite this, it is important to emphasize that energy reduction alone could not be enough to enhance suitability and to reduce the related costs significantly. For this reason, in this work we focus on how BEMS can support smart and flexible renewable-based generation and storage as for example presented in [5]. The large roof and parking lots areas of shopping malls are particularly suitable to install photovoltaic (PV) generators with a significant capacity. Currently, PV systems are the most common type of renewable energy source in the building sector due to their scalability, modularity, low maintenance needs, long effective life (more than 25 years) and fast response. The combination of lower cost and economic incentives in some countries has greatly contributed to a widespread and quick diffusion of PV generation [6]. Particularly interesting is the scenario of smart PV systems in which generation and consumption can be simultaneous, as in the case of shopping malls [7]. This implies that the ratio between the PV energy directly self-consumed on-site and produced (usually defined as self-consumption) could be as high as 100%. The benefits of maximizing the self-consumption impact directly on the amount of power drawn from the grid as well as on the energy-related costs for shopping malls. Many studies are present in ...

Photovoltaic semi-transparent materials (STPV) integrated into glazing systems can offer good potential for energy saving to buildings, influencing heating loads, cooling loads, and lighting, as well as electricity production. Moreover, with the new stringent regulations issued by various European countries, following the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD, 2010/31/EC), the building envelope, including the glazing elements, needs to have high thermal performance to guarantee Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) behavior. This work presents an assessment of energy saving potential of 4 different types of STPV with respect to conventional double pane glass. Dye sensitized solar modules (DSM) and thin film modules were considered in the study. Simulations based on an IEA reference office building (STD) and on reference buildings prescribed by the new Italian building energy performance regulation (NZEB) were carried out. All the glazing peculiarities could be simulated using only one simulation tool, namely IDA ICE 4.7.1. Dye sensitized solar modules resulted as the best performing devices for all orientations and climate zones. The work also evidenced how the requirements of NZEB seem to be too stringent for insulation properties, especially for the climate zone of Rome.

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