Photovoltaic technology in rural residential buildings in China: a comprehensive review on applications, development and its benefits

Abstract

China’s rural residential photovoltaic system has been greatly developed in recent years. However, most existing researches, are difficult to reflect the real development situation of the whole system. This study systematically sorts out the results in related fields through the literature review, aiming to clarify the current situation of applications and benefits of photovoltaic technology. The results show that currently the photovoltaic power generation technology is relatively mature and widely applied, and passive photovoltaic technology can play a greater role in reducing energy consumption in rural residential buildings in China. However, the development of photothermal and photovoltaic combined with other energy technologies, as well as the integration between photovoltaic technology and buildings are relatively lagging behind. Besides, the life cycle analysis and evaluation of photovoltaic system has not been established. In view of opportunities and challenges, this study prospects two future development directions. Firstly, the system coupling of photovoltaic technology should be strengthened, especially between the joint supply subsystems, between the active and passive technologies, and between photovoltaic technology and buildings. Secondly, the rationality of photovoltaic technology evaluation should be ensured, particularly to cover the three aspects of economy, ecology and society on the whole life cycle dimension.

Keywords

• active/passive photovoltaic technology
• building integrated photovoltaic
• economic/ecological/social benefits
• rural residential buildings