Energy performance optimization and economic analysis of SVG-insulated facades

Abstract

Solar PV vacuum glazing (SVG) insulated façades enhance building fire safety and energy efficiency due to their high thermal resistance. While increasing the thermal resistance of SVG-insulated façades reduces building operational energy consumption, it may also limit heat dissipation, negatively impacting PV generation. To assess the overall energy performance of SVG-insulated facades, this study developed numerical models, which were validated using outdoor experimental data. Parametric optimization simulations were then conducted to maximize energy savings of SVG-insulated facades, focusing on three critical aspects: (i) vacuum glazing properties; (ii) PV module efficiency; and (iii) the air cavity thickness. The simulation results indicate that the optimized configuration reduces annual wall-related energy consumption by 50 %-59 % across five Chinese cities, compared to the non-optimized case. Notably, the wall-related energy consumption excludes contributions from transparent windows and internal heat sources. Furthermore, an economic analysis was performed to evaluate the profitability of SVG-insulated façades, revealing a payback period of 2.51–6.46 years and a return on investment (ROI) ranging from 189 % to 612 % over a 25-year lifespan. Consequently, this study underscores the great energy-saving potential and economic viability of SVG-insulated façades, supporting their implementation in engineering projects.