New Model for the Estimation of Solar Radiation on Façades in Urban Environments

Abstract

This paper presents a new solar irradiance model for the estimation of the solar radiation on façades of buildings in urban environments. A model and a computer tool, using Visual Basic Application of Excel, have been developed to analyse in detail the radiation on façades. It can be used to determine, in a very intuitive, easy and fast way, using solar radiation contour maps, the best areas for the installation of photovoltaic systems. Finally, using the data obtained by the solar irradiance model for an application example, the electricity production of a photovoltaic system located at the selected façade is analyzed and discussed.