Solar Photovoltaic Potential on Building Rooftops and Facades: A Case Study of The National University of Singapore

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has been increasingly adopted by countries as they begin to recognize its benefits. Singapore in particular has announced plans to implement a large-scale solar PV adoption, with schools being identified as consumers of large amounts of energy. In light of this, this thesis identifies the National University of Singapore (NUS) as a potential target for solar PV adoption. It aims to contribute to the gap in solar potential data pertaining to NUS so as to facilitate the school’s uptake of solar PV. The paucity in solar potential data is addressed by conducting solar potential analyses on the rooftops and facades on campus. Prior to this, the reliability of the solar potential estimation method that Singapore uses is tested against the well-established Light Detection and Ranging-Geographical Information Systems (LiDAR-GIS) method. This test assesses the appropriate method to be used for the solar potential analyses. The findings reveal that the two methods show inconsistencies. Hence the more established LiDAR-GIS method was chosen. This also highlights the need for validation of the unselected method before continued application. The solar potential analyses on the rooftops identified Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music and School of Design and Environment 1 for solar panel installation based on the expected amount of electricity output and cost-efficiency evaluations respectively. Quantile and detailed rooftop assessments also identified specific areas for solar panel installations. Thus, this analysis presents significant application value to NUS. Finally, facade potential analyses revealed that the east and west facing walls receive constant solar radiation throughout the year. A shadowing analysis also shows that the number and height of surrounding structures significantly determine the amount of shadowing on a facade. This thesis therefore provides a practical guide to reaping the full benefits of solar energy in NUS.