Renewable Energy Optimization

Overview

Case Study Of Solar Panel Optimization In A Residential Neighborhood Development

This case study explores how Adaptis utilized a decision support platform to optimize the integration of photovoltaic panels in a new construction community of over 2400 family homes. Leveraging computational early-stage design and parametric analysis, Adaptis was able to enhance the overall performance of the buildings and increase energy production by optimizing the placement of photovoltaic panels, considering realistic shading conditions.

The project area encompassed a newly constructed community consisting of 2,100 single-family homes, along with multi-family mid-rise housing. The data provided by our partner included a section of the site that had already been divided into lots and populated with houses. To complete the site, we utilized proprietary site population algorithms to divide the remaining area into lots and assign houses based on the data provided. Our partner provided us with 10 different house types, each with unique design features and styles. To populate the area with the specified house types, we implemented a randomized subroutine based on the percentage distribution outlined by our partner.

The analysis process began with creating geometric models for each single-family house type. To simulate the mutual shading effect in the neighborhood that reduced energy generation, each house model was paired with a neighboring house on each side, set 4.5m apart.

These models were tested at 36 different orientations, each rotated by 10 degrees, to create a comprehensive reference database of geometries. To account for the variation in solar gains through windows and the potential for energy generation from photovoltaic panels, the houses were tested at all 36 orientations. The analysis included an assessment of the potential photovoltaic (PV) output of various house types at different orientations. The roof geometry of each house was isolated, and the maximum number of fixed-size PV panels was placed on each surface of sufficient size.

Results

Adaptis developed an interactive decision support platform to showcase the data. This platform allowed users to filter and sort through 360 options for the single-family houses based on their specific properties. Additionally, the interface included several interactive graphs and charts, which could be manipulated to provide a range of valuable insights.

The energy demand by changing the orientation of the house varied between 0% and 4.6%. The number of panels in a house ranged between 9 and 35 and the percentage of electricity supplied by PV ranged between 71% and 225%

Final Remarks

Based on the simulation, it was estimated that the installation of 25,854 PV panels across all the single-family house roofs would require an investment of $42M, and output 19 GW/year of energy. The result shows that this system has the potential to offset 117% of the site’s net annual electricity demand. It is important to note that the success of implementing community-scale PV systems in practice depends on various factors, which were outside the scope of this demonstration.

One critical factor to consider is the management of excess energy generated during peak times, which can either be wasted, stored in a battery system, sold back to the grid, or shared with neighbors. These factors have a significant impact on the payback of the system. Load management strategies such as peak load balancing or constant load sharing between the utility line and PV can be employed to optimize the utilization of PV production.

Adaptis enables building owners and developers to make informed decisions tailored to each project requirement. Interested in what we do? We would love to talk!

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