Bio-solar green roofs increase solar energy output: The sunny side of integrating sustainable technologies

Fleck, R; Gill, R; Pettit, TJ; Torpy, FR; Irga, PJ

Bio-solar green roofs increase solar energy output: The sunny side of integrating sustainable technologies

Fleck, R

Gill, R

Pettit, TJ Torpy, FR Irga, PJ

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Publisher:: Elsevier
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Building and Environment, 2022, 226, pp. 1-10
Issue Date:: 2022-12-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Fleck, R https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2045-1656
dc.contributor.author	Gill, R https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7955-7271
dc.contributor.author	Pettit, TJ
dc.contributor.author	Torpy, FR
dc.contributor.author	Irga, PJ
dc.date.accessioned	2022-12-06T04:00:18Z
dc.date.available	2022-12-06T04:00:18Z
dc.date.issued	2022-12-01
dc.identifier.citation	Building and Environment, 2022, 226, pp. 1-10
dc.identifier.issn	0007-3628
dc.identifier.issn	1873-684X
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/164153
dc.description.abstract	In urban spaces, localised energy generation through rooftop solar has become increasingly popular, and green roofs are often used for a range of services such as thermal insulation. In recent years, the adoption of Bio-solar green roofs (BSGR) for both thermal insulation and increased solar energy outputs has increased. Here we present two buildings of the same dimensions and location, similar age and construction material, where one hosts a BSGR, and the other a conventional solar roof (CSR) in Sydney, Australia. Each solar array hosted a range of environmental sensors, including ambient temperature and global horizontal irradiance (GHI). The modelled BSGR average hourly energy output was 4.5% higher than the CSR (seasonal trends observed Spring; 4.14%, Summer; 4.16%, and Autumn; 5.21%) with BSGR producing 14.26 MWh more than the CSR, valued at $4526.22 AUD, and equal to 11.55 t e-CO2 greenhouse gas mitigation. Further potential for up to 1.55 t of CO2 could be mitigated by the plant material on the roof, provided the trimming of plant material during maintenance is conducted responsibly. In this instance, the implementation of a BSGR increased the system's solar output by 23.88 kWh per m2 of panel coverage, as well as reducing the e-CO2 emissions by 0.019 t per m2 over the CSR. When compared to the results of previously reported pilot studies and some simulations, it is evident that the implementation of a BSGR is favourable for maximising energy production and the mitigation of GHGs.
dc.language	English
dc.publisher	Elsevier
dc.relation	The Council of the City of Sydney
dc.relation.ispartof	Building and Environment
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109703
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
dc.subject	0502 Environmental Science and Management, 1201 Architecture, 1202 Building
dc.subject.classification	Building & Construction
dc.title	Bio-solar green roofs increase solar energy output: The sunny side of integrating sustainable technologies
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	226
utslib.for	0502 Environmental Science and Management
utslib.for	1201 Architecture
utslib.for	1202 Building
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building/School of Built Environment
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology/School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CTWW - Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater Treatment
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science/School of Life Sciences
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	false
dc.date.updated	2022-12-06T04:00:16Z
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	226

Abstract:

In urban spaces, localised energy generation through rooftop solar has become increasingly popular, and green roofs are often used for a range of services such as thermal insulation. In recent years, the adoption of Bio-solar green roofs (BSGR) for both thermal insulation and increased solar energy outputs has increased. Here we present two buildings of the same dimensions and location, similar age and construction material, where one hosts a BSGR, and the other a conventional solar roof (CSR) in Sydney, Australia. Each solar array hosted a range of environmental sensors, including ambient temperature and global horizontal irradiance (GHI). The modelled BSGR average hourly energy output was 4.5% higher than the CSR (seasonal trends observed Spring; 4.14%, Summer; 4.16%, and Autumn; 5.21%) with BSGR producing 14.26 MWh more than the CSR, valued at $4526.22 AUD, and equal to 11.55 t e-CO2 greenhouse gas mitigation. Further potential for up to 1.55 t of CO2 could be mitigated by the plant material on the roof, provided the trimming of plant material during maintenance is conducted responsibly. In this instance, the implementation of a BSGR increased the system's solar output by 23.88 kWh per m2 of panel coverage, as well as reducing the e-CO2 emissions by 0.019 t per m2 over the CSR. When compared to the results of previously reported pilot studies and some simulations, it is evident that the implementation of a BSGR is favourable for maximising energy production and the mitigation of GHGs.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/164153