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Optimizing angles of rooftop photovoltaics, ratios of solar to vegetated roof systems, and economic benefits, in Portland, Oregon, USA

Author

Listed:
  • Nicole E. Statler

    (University of Portland)

  • Amanda M. Adams

    (University of Portland)

  • Ted C. Eckmann

    (University of Portland)

Abstract

This study analyzed insolation data to account for multiple scattering in calculating optimal tilt angles for stationary and seasonally moving photovoltaics on three different roof types in the US Pacific Northwest: vegetated roofs, white roofs, and dark roofs. Using these results, we modeled the energy savings for vegetated roofs and roofs covered in varying numbers of photovoltaic panels. We then calculated the net present value, internal rate of return, and other economic measures for all possible combinations of covering rooftops in mixes of photovoltaic arrays and vegetation, accounting for installation costs, proposed carbon taxes, stormwater management discounts, and other relevant factors. Our results quantify how, in the US Pacific Northwest and similar locations, photovoltaics produce higher returns on investment than do vegetated roofs for new buildings, while vegetated roofs produce better returns on investment than do photovoltaics for older buildings. This is important because in many areas, some buildings have photovoltaics when a vegetated roof would have been more cost and energy efficient, while other buildings have vegetated roofs when photovoltaics would have been more cost and energy efficient. Potential applications include modifying incentive programs and other policies to account properly for building age, use, and other relevant factors to ensure building owners make the most energy-efficient decisions between photovoltaic versus vegetated roof installation. Our research also demonstrates how positive returns on investment can be realized in the US Pacific Northwest and similar regions through vegetated roofs and photovoltaics provided they are each installed optimally.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicole E. Statler & Amanda M. Adams & Ted C. Eckmann, 2017. "Optimizing angles of rooftop photovoltaics, ratios of solar to vegetated roof systems, and economic benefits, in Portland, Oregon, USA," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 37(3), pages 320-331, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:37:y:2017:i:3:d:10.1007_s10669-017-9640-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10669-017-9640-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Moon Keun Kim & Khalid Osman Abdulkadir & Jiying Liu & Joon-Ho Choi & Huiqing Wen, 2021. "Optimal Design Strategy of a Solar Reflector Combining Photovoltaic Panels to Improve Electricity Output: A Case Study in Calgary, Canada," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-18, May.

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