Solar Wall Technology and Its Impact on Building Performance

Abstract

Solar walls provide transformative solutions by harnessing solar energy to generate electricity, improve thermal comfort, and reduce energy consumption and emissions, contributing to zero-energy buildings and mitigating climate change. In hot and humid regions, solar walls can reduce indoor temperatures by 30% to 50%, significantly improving energy efficiency. Optimizing the performance of solar walls includes factors such as glazing, shading, solar orientation, ventilation, and catalytic techniques, allowing them to be adapted to different climates. Innovative solar wall variants that include photovoltaic panels, water storage, and phase-change materials offer multifunctionality and sustainability in building design and are in line with global energy efficiency and environmentally conscious goals. In addition, innovative solar wall variants that combine photovoltaic panels, water storage, and phase-change materials promise even more sustainability in building design. These multifunctional solar wall systems can efficiently heat, cool, and generate energy, further reducing a building’s environmental impact. Solar walls have the potential to significantly reduce heating energy consumption; align with global goals for energy-efficient, environmentally conscious, and climate-responsive building design; and offer dynamic and adaptable solutions for sustainable architecture.

Keywords

• solar walls
• Trombe walls
• zero-energy buildings
• energy efficiency
• sustainable construction
• glazing and shading