The potential of active solar systems on dwelling roofs

This paper presents an analysis of the geometric characteristics of roofs in recently-built, single family dwellings in housing developments in Concepcion, Chile, and their solar energy collection potential. Data was recorded for 2,139 houses built after 2006, which corresponds to 68.28% of the total number of possible dwellings. It was found that the average surface area of sloped roofs is 84.7 m2 and is divided between three and twelve wings or gables, with an average incline of 37.48°. These result in at least one primary or secondary wing with an average surface of 33.9 m2 facing north, east or west. This surface receives a total annual solar radiation of from 954 kWha/m2 to 1,732.8 kWha/m2 depending on the azimuth and the roof ́s slope. With the integration of photovoltaic panels, an average of 6,317.2 kWha per year, per house can potentially be produced. Additionally, when extreme cases were studied, including those with the largest and smallest roof surface areas, it was demonstrated that the energy produced would supply sufficient electricity with the integration of photovoltaic technology. Lastly, the potential of hybrid thermalphotovoltaic (PV/T) air technology is evaluated. El presente artículo analiza las características geométricas de las techumbres de viviendas unifamiliares pertenecientes a conjuntos inmobiliarios recientes en Concepción (Chile) y su potencial de captación solar. Para ello, se ejecuta un registro de 2.139 casas construidas posteriores al año 2006, correspondientes a 68,3% del total. Al describir las cubiertas existentes, se detecta una superficie media de techumbre inclinada de 84,7 m2 y fragmentada, entre 3 y 12 alas o faldones, con inclinación media de 37,48°, que generan al menos un ala mayor o secundaria con superficie promedio de 33,9 m2 orientada al norte, este u oeste. Esta superficie recibe una radiación anual total de entre 954 kWha/m2 a 1.732,8 kWha/m2, según azimut e inclinación, lo que con paneles fotovoltaicos integrados produce potencialmente una media de 6.317,4 kWha. Además, se estudian casos extremos acorde a máxima y mínima superficie captadora por superficie construida, demostrando que la producción energética alcanzaría a abastecer eléctricamente con la tecnología fotovoltaica (PV) integrada. Finalmente, se evalúa el potencial de la tecnología híbrida térmica-fotovoltaica con fluido calotransportador de aire (PVTa).&nbsp