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Advances in the Design and Application of Solar Energy in Buildings

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "G: Energy and Buildings".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 6298

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Dr. Barbara Król

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Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24 Str, 31-155 Cracow, Poland
Interests: heat transfer; ground heat exchangers; ground source heat pumps; renewable energy sources; environmental engineering; mass transfer; process simulations

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The transition to sustainable energy systems has placed solar energy at the forefront of research and innovation, particularly in the built environment. Buildings are responsible for a significant share of global energy consumption, necessitating the development of efficient solutions that integrate solar technologies to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources. Advances in solar energy utilization in buildings encompass a broad spectrum of topics, from photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems to hybrid approaches that enhance energy efficiency and thermal comfort.

This Special Issue aims to present recent advancements in the design, modeling, and application of solar energy technologies in buildings. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and case studies that address key challenges and innovations in this field, including but not limited to the following:

Integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in building envelopes (BIPV, BAPV);
Solar thermal energy storage and its applications in heating and cooling;
Hybrid solar energy systems combining PV, solar thermal, and heat pumps;
Advanced materials and coatings for enhanced solar energy absorption;
Passive solar design strategies for energy-efficient buildings;
Phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage in solar applications;
Modeling and simulation of solar energy systems in buildings;
Techno-economic and environmental assessments of solar-powered buildings;
Smart control systems and optimization of solar energy utilization;
Case studies of net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) and solar-powered districts.

By gathering cutting-edge research from leading experts, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and innovations that are shaping the future of solar energy in the built environment. We encourage researchers, engineers, and practitioners to contribute their work and share insights that will drive the advancement of sustainable, solar-powered buildings.

Dr. Barbara Król
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

solar energy
building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs)
building-applied photovoltaics (BAPVs)
solar thermal systems
thermal energy storage
phase change materials (PCMs)
passive solar design
hybrid solar systems
net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs)
smart energy management
energy efficiency in buildings
sustainable building technologies
techno-economic analysis of solar systems
computational modeling of solar applications

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 5795 KB

Open AccessArticle

Architectural Retrofitting to Enhance Daylighting and Improve Energy Performance: A Food-Retail Case Study

by Simone Forastiere, Carla Balocco, Cristina Piselli, Fabio Sciurpi and Maider Llaguno-Munitxa

Energies 2026, 19(9), 2097; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19092097 - 27 Apr 2026

Viewed by 369

Abstract

Artificial lighting accounts for roughly 30% of total electricity use in supermarkets and significantly affects product perception, customer experience, and purchasing behavior. Increasing the availability of natural light, combined with appropriate architectural energy retrofitting strategies, offers a major opportunity to reduce electricity demand. This study proposes a data-driven framework for evaluating energy retrofit strategies in commercial buildings, integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Energy Modeling (BEM). A parametric methodology is used to evaluate multiple architectural retrofitting scenarios aimed at enhancing daylighting and reducing artificial lighting demand, while improving energy efficiency and environmental performance. The scenarios investigated include variations in skylight geometry and orientation, glazing type, photovoltaic integration, and advanced lighting controls. Three Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)—real energy effectiveness, lighting control performance, and environmental impact—are used to assess how design modifications influence energy use, indoor lighting quality, and environmental performance. The methodology is applied to three real food-retail buildings in Italy. Results show that lighting energy consumption can be reduced by up to 60% in scenarios combining LED technology with smart control systems, while total building electricity savings vary across case studies depending on building characteristics and usage patterns. Environmental impact reductions of approximately 15–20% are achieved, reflecting both operational and life-cycle improvements. The study demonstrates the potential of parametric architectural retrofitting to support multi-criteria decision-making for sustainable refurbishment of food-retail environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Design and Application of Solar Energy in Buildings)

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20 pages, 2986 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Stratification in Solar Storage Tanks: Long-Term Modelling and Efficiency Analysis

by Barbara Król and Krzysztof Kupiec

Energies 2026, 19(3), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030627 - 25 Jan 2026

Viewed by 903

Abstract

The storage tank plays a key role in solar thermal installations, as thermal stratification allows high temperatures to be maintained in the upper region while keeping the return temperature to the collectors low. This study analyses the influence of thermal stratification on short- and long-term performance of solar domestic hot water systems using a multi-node storage tank model. An algorithm was developed to compute temperature profiles along the height of a storage tank operating under time-varying temperature and flow-rate conditions. Time courses of temperatures and heat fluxes in a solar domestic hot water system were determined. In addition, the seasonal variation in the optimal locations for supplying the tank with water from the solar collector was identified. Annual simulations were performed for the climate of Kraków (Poland) and the domestic hot water demand of a single-family household. The results show that the effect of the degree of stratification on solar fraction and solar efficiency is small. It was also demonstrated that the effect of thermal stratification within the tank on stabilizing the temperature of the produced water is more significant than the effect associated with increasing the tank volume. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Design and Application of Solar Energy in Buildings)

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22 pages, 3350 KB

Open AccessArticle

Challenges in the Legal and Technical Integration of Photovoltaics in Multi-Family Buildings in the Polish Energy Grid

by Robert Kowalak, Daniel Kowalak, Konrad Seklecki and Leszek S. Litzbarski

Energies 2026, 19(2), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19020474 - 17 Jan 2026

Viewed by 659

Abstract

This article analyzes the case of a typical modern residential area, which was built following current legal regulations in Poland. For the purposes of the calculations, a housing estate consisting of 32 houses was assumed, with a connection power of 36 kW each. The three variants evaluate power consumption and photovoltaic system operation: Variant I assumes no PV installations and fluctuating consumer power demands; Variant II involves PV installations in all estate buildings with a total capacity matching the building’s 36 kW connection power and minimal consumption; and Variant III increases installed PV capacity per building to 50 kW, aligning with apartment connection powers, also with minimal consumption. The simulations performed indicated that there may be problems with voltage levels and current overloads of network elements. Although in case I the transformer worked properly, after connecting the PV installation in an extreme case, it was overloaded by about 117% (Variant II) or even about 180% (Variant III). The described case illustrates the impact of changes in regulations on the stability of the electricity distribution network. A potential solution to this problem is to oversize the distribution network elements, introduce power restrictions for PV installations or to oblige prosumers to install energy storage facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Design and Application of Solar Energy in Buildings)

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23 pages, 3002 KB

Open AccessArticle

Balcony Photovoltaics in Large-Panel Prefabricated Buildings as a Contribution to the Urban Energy Transition

by Jakub Polański, Magdalena Nemś, Marcin Michalski and Constantinos Vassiliades

Energies 2025, 18(21), 5789; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18215789 - 3 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1945

Abstract

Europe, including Poland, is undergoing an energy transition. The use of renewable energy sources (RES) in the national energy sector is increasing significantly, and previously unused areas are increasingly developed for photovoltaic power plants. A specific type of housing common in Eastern European countries opens an additional opportunity for photovoltaic installations without occupying usable ground area. This article aims to analyze the potential for utilizing balconies and loggias in large-panel buildings, which are characteristic of major cities in Poland. Approximately 30% of the population resides in such housing. This presents significant potential for direct use of renewable energy by apartment residents. The article also explores the legal framework for such installations, both as individual investments by apartment owners and as collective initiatives managed by building administrators. The authors analyzed the potential performance of photovoltaic installations under varying azimuths and tilt angles, considering solar irradiation potential. The analyses also encompassed different photovoltaic module technologies, covering a spectrum of photovoltaic technologies, from commonly used monocrystalline panels to advanced transparent BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) solutions. Furthermore, the study quantified the energy potential of such installations and compared the results with existing photovoltaic capacities and electricity demand in Poland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Design and Application of Solar Energy in Buildings)

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17 pages, 6434 KB

Open AccessArticle

UAV and 3D Modeling for Automated Rooftop Parameter Analysis and Photovoltaic Performance Estimation

by Wioleta Błaszczak-Bąk, Marcin Pacześniak, Artur Oleksiak and Grzegorz Grunwald

Energies 2025, 18(20), 5358; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18205358 - 11 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1039

Abstract

The global shift towards renewable energy sources necessitates efficient methods for assessing solar potential in urban areas. Rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems present a sustainable solution for decentralized energy production; however, their effectiveness is influenced by structural and environmental factors, including roof slope, azimuth, and shading. This study aims to develop and validate a UAV-based methodology for assessing rooftop solar potential in urban areas. The authors propose a low-cost, innovative tool that utilizes a commercial unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), specifically the DJI Air 3, combined with advanced photogrammetry and 3D modeling techniques to analyze rooftop characteristics relevant to PV installations. The methodology includes UAV-based data collection, image processing to generate high-resolution 3D models, calibration and validation against reference objects, and the estimation of solar potential based on rooftop characteristics and solar irradiance data using the proposed Model Analysis Tool (MAT). MAT is a novel solution introduced and described for the first time in this study, representing an original computational framework for the geometric and energetic analysis of rooftops. The innovative aspect of this study lies in combining consumer-grade UAVs with automated photogrammetry and the MAT, creating a low-cost yet accurate framework for rooftop solar assessment that reduces reliance on high-end surveying methods. By being presented in this study for the first time, MAT expands the methodological toolkit for solar potential evaluation, offering new opportunities for urban energy research and practice. The comparison of PVGIS and MAT shows that MAT consistently predicts higher daily energy yields, ranging from 9 to 12.5% across three datasets. The outcomes of this study contribute to facilitating the broader adoption of solar energy, thereby supporting sustainable energy transitions and climate neutrality goals in the face of increasing urban energy demands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Design and Application of Solar Energy in Buildings)

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25 pages, 5749 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Low-Carbon Design Strategy of Block-Scale Science and Technology Industrial Park Based on Solar Energy Utilization Potential and Heat Island Effects

by Hai Ye, Yiying Cao and Mingqi Ding

Energies 2025, 18(19), 5127; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18195127 - 26 Sep 2025

Viewed by 749

Abstract

This study aims to establish an energy assessment system and provide low-carbon design strategies for block-scale science and technology industrial parks in the Yangtze River Delta region of China. To investigate low-carbon design strategies for these parks, the impact of solar energy utilization potential and heat island effect on the energy consumption of buildings is taken as the entry point. Through an analysis of the spatial characteristics of twenty block-scale science and technology industrial parks in the Yangtze River Delta region of China, two types of idealized park models comprising a total of eighteen variations were established. The simulation process involved six key morphological parameters to describe the specific shape of the parks quantitatively. The Ladybug Tools 1.6.0, Radiance 5.4a, and URBANopt v0.9.2 software were used to simulate the potential for photovoltaic power generation and the energy consumption of the parks. Net Energy Use Intensity (NEUI) and Potential Utilization Ratio of Renewable Energy (PURRE) were selected as the final evaluation indexes to represent the integrated energy performance of the park. The results show that for the park with a circular layout, the optimal integrated energy performance is achieved when the building density is between 35% and 40%; the average building height is designed with lower values within the range of 20 m to 24 m, and the height-to-depth ratio is around 0.3. Finally, based on the results of the analysis, four major low-carbon design strategies were proposed: high-density development, courtyard layout, supporting-function centralized layout, and carbon sink enhancement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Design and Application of Solar Energy in Buildings)

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