Life cycle cost analysis of circular photovoltaic façade in dense urban environment using 3D modeling

Photovoltaic façade gradually diffuses in dense urban environment for decarbonization. In this study, life cycle cost analysis is applied to assess the economic feasibility of circular photovoltaic façade. An innovative aerial video-based 3D modeling method is developed to reconstruct the target structures, significantly reducing time and labor costs in modeling work. Given the recycling potential, this study develops a workflow to recycle photovoltaic components to save the spence. Multi-objective optimization is conducted to identify the optimal configuration of photovoltaic facades given an initial budget constraint. A representative building in Central Business District is selected to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Then the simulation is extended to major metropolises in China. The results demonstrate that the 3D modeling method can successfully reconstruct target structures, allowing for accurate simulation of solar radiation access and assessment of the economic feasibility of photovoltaic facades. Moreover, the photovoltaic façade on the selected building is not profitable without recycling. Some cities achieve profitability when the proposed recycling strategy is implemented. This highlights the importance of recycling in achieving economic viability. The study promotes further studies exploring the feasible deployment of photovoltaic façades in dense urban environments.