How Rooftop PV Systems Influence Urban Temperatures

How Rooftop PV Systems Influence Urban Temperatures – Insights and Solutions

Rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems are transforming urban energy landscapes, enabling cities worldwide to move toward renewable energy solutions. However, recent research from India highlights the “unintended” impact of rooftop PV systems on urban temperatures, raising awareness about their effects on urban microclimates. This research is crucial for urban planners and homeowners alike, emphasizing that while rooftop solar is beneficial, understanding its effects on local temperatures is essential for optimal integration.

Rooftop PV and Temperature Fluctuations

According to a study published in Nature Cities, scientists used a comprehensive model to assess the influence of rooftop PV systems (RPVSPs) on urban climates. This model incorporated weather research and forecasting (WRF), building energy models (BEM), and additional parameters to simulate temperature changes caused by RPVSPs accurately. Results from simulations in multiple cities, including Kolkata, Sydney, and Austin, showed that RPVSPs could raise daytime temperatures near the rooftop surface by up to 1.5°C. Conversely, these systems could cool nighttime temperatures by up to 0.6°C, aiding in evening temperature regulation.

Balancing Daytime Warming with Nighttime Cooling

RPVSPs absorb roughly 90% of solar energy during the day, converting about 20% into electricity. The remaining energy contributes to heating, raising daytime rooftop temperatures by approximately 3.2°C during peak heat hours. At night, however, the cooling effect of RPVSPs is evident, as they reduce near-surface temperatures by an average of 1.4°C. This dynamic plays a vital role in urban environments, where temperature control is critical for both comfort and sustainability.

Regional Case Studies: Kolkata, Sydney, Austin, Athens, and Brussels

The study explored multiple RPVSP coverage scenarios (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) on city rooftops in Kolkata, India, and validated these findings in other cities with different climates, including Sydney, Athens, and Brussels. The data showed consistent temperature impacts:

• Sydney: 1.9°C rise during the day and 0.8°C cooling at night.
• Austin: 1.8°C rise during the day and 0.7°C cooling at night.
• Athens: 1.2°C rise during the day and 0.4°C cooling at night.
• Brussels: 1.1°C rise during the day and 0.3°C cooling at night.

These consistent findings across diverse climates highlight the need for comprehensive planning when integrating rooftop PV systems into urban areas.

The Broader Impact on Urban Environments

RPVSP installations can significantly alter urban surface energy dynamics, affecting urban boundary layers and airflow. Elevated urban temperatures increase atmospheric mixing, raising the planetary boundary layer (PBL) by up to 615.6 meters. This effect has a positive side: it helps reduce ground-level pollution by dispersing pollutants over a larger area, contributing to improved urban air quality.

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