Optimizing Building Performance with Dynamic Photovoltaic Shading Systems: A Comparative Analysis of Six Adaptive Designs

Dynamic and Adaptive solar systems demonstrate a greater potential to enhance the satisfaction of occupants, in terms of indoor environment quality and the energy efficiency of the buildings, than conventional shading solutions. This study has evaluated Dynamic and Adaptive Photovoltaic Shading Systems (DAPVSSs) through a comprehensive analysis of six shading designs in which their energy production and the comfort of occupants were considered. Energy generation, thermal comfort, daylight, and glare control have been assessed in this study, considering multiple orientations throughout the seasons, and a variety of tools, such as Rhino 6.0, Grasshopper, ClimateStudio 2.1, and Ladybug, have been exploited for these purposes. The results showed that the prototypes that were geometrically more complex, designs 5 and 6 in particular, had approximately 485 kWh higher energy production and energy savings for cooling and 48% better glare control than the other simplified configurations while maintaining the minimum daylight as the threshold (min DF: 2%) due to adaptive and control methodologies. Design 6 demonstrated optimal balanced performance for all the aforementioned criteria, achieving 587 kWh/year energy production while maintaining the daylight factor within the 2.1–2.9% optimal range and ensuring visual comfort compliance during 94% of occupied hours. This research has established a framework that can be used to make well-informed design decisions that could balance energy production, occupants’ wellbeing, and architectural integration, while advancing sustainable building envelope technologies.