Influence of PV panels on convective heat flux in different roofs in the Mediterranean: Effects on the urban heat island
Laura Jo Houchmand, Marcel Macarulla, Santiago Gassó
Abstract
As the European Union transitions towards cleaner energy production, significant emphasis is placed on the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels on roofs. Although PV panels offer the advantage of renewable energy generation , they alter the energy balance of roofs and increase heat emissions into the atmosphere. This raises concerns about their potential to intensify the urban heat island (UHI). Hence, this study evaluates the effects of eight different roof models, including four roof types, analyzed both with and without PV panels, on the UHI in the Mediterranean, a region experiencing increasingly urban overheating. Convective heat fluxes are used as a clear indicator. The models were conducted using EnergyPlus simulations throughout the year. Roof types include a typical Mediterranean roof, a cool roof, a soil roof and an extensive green roof. The main results indicate an intensification of the UHI for all roof types when PV panels are installed, both in summer and winter. However, among the PV-panelled roof types, the cool roof is effective in reducing the UHI impact compared to the other roofs during both seasons. Contrary, in winter, the extensive green roof with PV panels increases the impact on the UHI among all roof types the strongest.