Solar Energy Potential of Low Density Urban Zones in Mendoza’s Metropolitan Area

ABSTRACT: The study of the solar potential of urban buildings in the temperate arid zones of central-western Argentina, contributes to the knowledge required to optimize the interrelationship between urban habitat and energy efficiency, aiming at attaining a more sustainable urban development in the near future. The main purpose of the study is to assess the solar potential of low-density urban environments, deepening the knowledge on the relationship between urban morphological indicators and the availability of solar energy for space heating, domestic water heating and eventually, in situ PV generation. The typical low density gridiron tissues of Mendoza’s Metropolitan Area (MMA) have been evaluated through the analysis of 32 sample units (city blocks). Low-density urban environments represent more than 90 % of the total built-up area of the city. The results obtained include: useful insolation of potentially collecting surfaces and the masking due to neighboring buildings and urban trees, in public and private open spaces. From these results, several quantitative indicators have been drawn relating morphological features and potential solar energy use, thus contributing valuable information for the advance of energy management in urban design and planning