Application of Building Integrated Photovoltaic: Design Strategies for Optimization of Renewable Energy Through Envelope and Daylight Harvesting

Abstract

Buildings account for roughly 39% of the atmospheric carbon dioxide produced in the United States. To mitigate the impact of our buildings on the environment, our buildings need to take the advantage of the abundance of sunlight that falls on them. Despite recent advances in photovoltaic technology, building integration of photovoltaics falls short of its potential. This thesis proposes design strategies for optimization of renewable energy from sunlight through building integrated photovoltaics, and incorporating daylight harvesting as an additional means to decrease building energy use.