1. |
- Formolli, Matteo, et al.
(author)
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Solar Energy in the Nordic Built Environment: Challenges, Opportunities and Barriers
- 2021
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In: Energies. - : MDPI AG. - 1996-1073. ; 14:24
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Within the framework Solar Heating and Cooling Programme of the International Energy Agency Task 51 “Solar Energy in Urban Planning”, case studies from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark were collected and analyzed through a comparative approach. The cases were first classified based on their urban characterization (existing and new urban areas) and then compared within the same country or in a cross-country perspective according to three areas of interest (i.e., Scale and planning process, Legislation and planning process, Targets and goals). The comparisons follow a common template of five sections describing the role of the involved stakeholders and highlighting challenges, barriers, and opportunities for the deployment of active solar systems and passive solar strategies. Both technical and non-technical aspects are considered. Among the technical aspects, the focus is on the adoption of solar energy strategies (e.g., solar accessibility, daylighting), the estimation of solar potential and energy generation. Regarding the non-technical aspects, the focus is on identifying barriers and challenges for the adoption of solar systems in relation to national and local legislation. The findings show that municipalities can have a crucial role in facilitating the adoption of solar energy solutions in cities by embracing ambitious visions and storytelling, as well as being directly financially involved as owners or subsidizing bodies. The findings also demonstrate the value of the use of indicators to evaluate the performance of masterplans, the combination of analogue and digital tools in the design process, and the performance of solar simulations from early stages to foster awareness among the involved stakeholders. Despite these positives, the Scandinavian legislation on solar energy utilization in the urban context still displays fragilities, making the creation of guidelines a pressing need.
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2. |
- Hachem Vermette, Caroline, et al.
(author)
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Towards the development of legislative framework for solar neighborhoods
- 2024
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In: Frontiers in Built Environment. - 2297-3362. ; 10
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The growing implementation of sustainable urban infrastructure, utilizing solar energy for heat and power generation, daylighting, and thermal comfort, has intensified the focus on sustainability standards and guidelines. Nevertheless, a noticeable deficiency persists in regulations that specifically address solar energy access and protection, posing a barrier to the diffusion of solar-centric neighborhoods. This paper examines the traditional urban regulatory frameworks and the state of solar energy regulations and practices within five countries (i.e., Canada, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland). The aim of the study is to (i) identify gaps in existing regulations, standards, and codes, (ii) highlight the need for future regulations to protect solar access and rights, and (iii) support the deployment of solar technologies on a large scale. The results underline that climate-related regulations often fall short of specificity tailored to regional and local climates, relying on generalized climate considerations. Solar energy legislation is generally scarce and lacks comprehensive planning. Finally, despite various financial incentives for the installation of active solar strategies, their impact remains limited, impeding the wide spread of solar technology as a primary source of energy production in urban environment.
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3. |
- Manni, Mattia, et al.
(author)
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Ten questions concerning planning and design strategies for solar neighborhoods
- 2023
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In: Building and Environment. - 0360-1323. ; 246
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Planning of neighborhoods that efficiently implement active solar systems (e.g., solar thermal technologies, photovoltaics) and passive solar strategies (e.g., daylight control, sunlight access through optimized buildings' morphology, cool pavements, greeneries) is increasingly important to achieve positive energy and carbon neutrality targets, as well as to create livable urban spaces. In that regard, solar neighborhoods represent a virtuous series of solutions for communities that prioritize the exploitation of solar energy, with limited energy management systems. The ten questions answered in this article provide a critical overview of the technical, legislative, and environmental aspects to be considered in the planning and design of solar neighborhoods. The article moves from the categorization of “Solar Neighborhood” and the analysis of the state-of-the-art passive and active solar strategies to the identification of challenges and opportunities for solar solutions’ deployment. Insights into legislative aspects and lessons learned from case studies are also provided. Ongoing trends in solar energy digitalization, competing use of urban surfaces, and multi-criteria design workflows for optimal use of solar energy are outlined, emphasizing how they generate new opportunities for urban planners, authorities, and citizens. A framework is introduced to guide the potential evolution of solar neighborhoods in the next decade and to support the design of urban areas and landscapes with architecturally integrated solar energy solutions.
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4. |
- Thebault, Martin, et al.
(author)
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A Comparative Study Of Simulation Tools To Model The Solar Irradiation On Building Façades
- 2021
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In: Proceedings - ISES Solar World Congress 2021. - Freiburg, Germany : International Solar Energy Society. - 9783982040875 ; , s. 1058-1069
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper presents a comparison among eight tools commonly used to evaluate the solar irradiation in urban environments. The focus is on the vertical surfaces (i.e., façades). The analysed tools have a large range of applications, from detailed microclimate studies to large-scale irradiation modelling. The benchmark tests consist of simulations using two conceptual urban designs. Two representative winter and summer days are defined. The results, obtained for the modelling of the shortwave irradiance received on the façades, are discussed together with the observed differences. This work provides an overview of some of the available tools, their features, similarities, and differences as well as a comparison of the modelled solar irradiation. This work is conducted in the framework of IEA SHC Task 63 "Solar Neighborhood Planning" where experts from five countries, in six universities, two companies and one research institute have been engaged.
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