Climate Change Impacts on Photovoltaics, Solar Thermal Energy, Transparent Insulation and Energy Demand in the Building Sector
Abstract
The impact of climate change on the energy demand of buildings is significantly higher than on solar technologies discussed in this paper (photovoltaic, solar thermal and transparent insulation material systems). On the one hand the heating energy demand will decrease by about 15% and on the other hand the cooling energy demand will increase by about 50%. Among the solar energy conversion technologies, solar thermal systems will benefit the most, since they are positively influenced by increasing temperatures as well as increasing global radiation. The latter has a positive effect on photovoltaic (PV) systems either, which results even in a net profit considering the negatively influenced efficiency by higher air temperatures. The energy gains of transparent insulation material (TIM) systems are similar affected compared to PV systems. However, the useable thermal heat gains will only slightly increase due to shorter heating periods in the future. Buildings are especially vulnerable regarding the climate change and should be adapted. Therefore different adaption strategies and options, which are easy to implement, are available and presented within this paper.