Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
Spatial Strategies for the Renewable Energy Transition: Integrating Solar Photovoltaics into Barcelona’s Urban Morphology |
| Authors: |
Maryam Roodneshin, Adrian Muros Alcojor, Torsten Masseck |
| Source: |
Solar, Vol 5, Iss 3, p 34 (2025) |
| Publisher Information: |
MDPI AG, 2025. |
| Publication Year: |
2025 |
| Collection: |
LCC:Production of electric energy or power. Powerplants. Central stations |
| Subject Terms: |
photovoltaic panel, CO2 emission, Barcelona, urban scale, shading study, algorithmic optimisation, Production of electric energy or power. Powerplants. Central stations, TK1001-1841 |
| Description: |
This study investigates strategies for urban-scale renewable energy integration through a photovoltaic-centric approach, with a case study of a district in Barcelona. The methodology integrates spatial and morphological data using a geographic information system (GIS)-based and clustering framework to address challenges of CO2 emissions, air pollution, and energy inefficiency. Rooftop availability and photovoltaic (PV) design constraints are analysed under current urban regulations. The spatial analysis incorporates building geometry and solar exposure, while an evolutionary optimisation algorithm in Grasshopper refines shading analysis, energy yield, and financial performance. Clustering methods (K-means and 3D proximity) group PV panels by solar irradiance uniformity and spatial coherence to enhance system efficiency. Eight PV deployment scenarios are evaluated, incorporating submodule integrated converter technology under a solar power purchase agreement model. Results show distinct trade-offs among PV scenarios. The standard fixed tilted (31.5° tilt, south-facing) scenario offers a top environmental and performance ratio (PR) = 66.81% but limited financial returns. In contrast, large- and huge-sized modules offer peak financial returns, aligning with private-sector priorities but with moderate energy efficiency. Medium- and large-size scenarios provide balanced outcomes, while a small module and its optimised rotated version scenarios maximise energy output yet suffer from high capital costs. A hybrid strategy combining standard fixed tilted with medium and large modules balances environmental and economic goals. The district’s morphology supports “solar neighbourhoods” and demonstrates how multi-scenario evaluation can guide resilient PV planning in Mediterranean cities. |
| Document Type: |
article |
| File Description: |
electronic resource |
| Language: |
English |
| ISSN: |
2673-9941 |
| Relation: |
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9941/5/3/34; https://doaj.org/toc/2673-9941 |
| DOI: |
10.3390/solar5030034 |
| Access URL: |
https://doaj.org/article/e237cee41d8a430a9dda4ff4b471678c |
| Accession Number: |
edsdoj.237cee41d8a430a9dda4ff4b471678c |
| Database: |
Directory of Open Access Journals |