Incentivizing photovoltaic panel cleaning in green building standards: A policy framework

Abstract

In the built environment (BE), green building rating systems (GBRSs) serve as effective policy tools for promoting and ensuring sustainability across various aspects, including energy. These systems already reward the incorporation of renewable energy technologies, which are foundational to sustainable practices. Among these technologies, photovoltaic (PV) panels are widely integrated into the BE in various configurations. However, their performance is significantly impacted by environmental factors such as soiling, which can drastically reduce their efficiency. This work introduces a proposed policy framework within GBRSs to award points for the cleaning of PV panels. This “PV Cleaning and Maintenance Credit” introduces an innovative approach to elevate the role of renewable energy systems in GBRSs by emphasizing regular, sustainable maintenance. By guaranteeing optimal energy generation, this credit not only enhances the energy efficiency in green buildings but also addresses a critical gap in existing rating systems. Nonetheless, implementing such a credit presents challenges, including water usage concerns and cost implications. Overcoming these obstacles will be essential to fully realizing the potential of this proposed improvement to GBRSs.