The Assessment of Electricity Self-Sufficiency Potential of Facade-Applied Photovoltaic Systems Based on Design Scenarios: A Case Study of an Apartment Complex in the Republic of Korea

Hyomun Lee, Tien Nhat Tran, Ruda Lee, Dongsu Kim, Hyunkyu Choi and Jongho Yoon ()
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Hyomun Lee: Department of Architecture Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea
Tien Nhat Tran: Department of Architecture Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea
Ruda Lee: Department of Architecture Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea
Dongsu Kim: Department of Architecture Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea
Hyunkyu Choi: Metropolitan Architecture of Choi and Kang, Sejong-si 30127, Republic of Korea
Jongho Yoon: Department of Architecture Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-16

Abstract: The performance of facade-applied photovoltaic (FPV) systems in high-rise apartment complexes varies based on the height and layout of the buildings, influencing the overall energy efficiency of the complex. This study assesses the potential of FPV systems to achieve electricity self-sufficiency in apartment complexes. Focusing on a single apartment complex in Seoul, South Korea, the geometry and layout of each building are used to estimate electricity consumption and assess the impact of FPV systems. The electricity consumption of the apartment complex was estimated based on the electricity energy use intensity derived from the analysis of public data and the gross floor area of the apartment complex, yielding an annual electricity consumption of 1803.7 MWh. Two types of photovoltaic (PV) systems were considered: rooftop-mounted photovoltaic (RFPV) systems and FPV systems installed on the south-facing facades of buildings. Three FPV design scenarios were examined (Scenario A: full facade coverage; Scenario B: horizontal-only installation; Scenario C: vertical-only installation), with no design variations for the RFPV system. The RFPV system was estimated to contribute 30.7% (553.8 MWh/yr) of the complex’s electricity consumption. The remaining electricity consumption, 1249.9 MWh/yr, is met by the FPV systems, with self-sufficiency rates under the three FPV design scenarios found to be 83.3% for Scenario A, 33.6% for Scenario B, and 64.6% for Scenario C. These findings highlight the need for additional PV installations or the incorporation of other renewable energy technologies to achieve full electricity self-sufficiency. This study provides a foundational model for applying PV systems to high-rise apartment complexes, offering insights for further research and real-world implementation.

Keywords: facade-applied photovoltaic; apartment complex; electricity; self-sufficiency; array design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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