Synergizing photovoltaic-thermal systems with green roofs: A pathway to enhanced urban sustainability and energy efficiency

Arash Kazemian and Changying Xiang

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2025, vol. 222, issue C

Abstract: The increasing demand for sustainable urban development has led to the exploration of integrating photovoltaic-thermal systems with green roofs, offering a novel approach to enhancing energy efficiency and urban environmental sustainability. This review critically examines the current body of research on this emerging technology, emphasizing its potential to significantly improve urban energy conservation and contribute to broader sustainability goals. The combination of solar energy generation with the natural cooling effects of green roofs presents a promising solution that not only enhances building performance but also mitigates the urban heat island effect. Economically, widespread adoption of this integrated system could lead to substantial cost savings over the lifespan of buildings while reducing overall urban energy demand. This review also highlights the importance of policy innovation to support the transition from theoretical models to practical applications, advocating for empirical research to validate and optimize these systems. The findings underscore the need for integrating such technologies into urban infrastructure, transforming cities into resilient, energy-efficient environments. By engaging key community stakeholders, this research identifies critical pathways for the successful implementation and scaling of these sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to global efforts towards net-zero emissions and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Keywords: Photovoltaic thermal systems; Green roofs; Urban sustainability; Zero carbon buildings; Urban heat island mitigation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.116002

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