A Study of the Influence of Housing Unit Form and Density on Solar Potential
Abstract
The paper presents a study of solar potential of different shapes of single family housing units, and of the response of some configurations of assemblages of such units in a neighbourhood pattern. Both the shapes of individual units and the compactness of their assemblage are crucial for the design of affordable energy efficient housings. Seven shapes are studied as well as some variations of L shape. The results show that irregular building shapes obtained by rotation of some facades can present several advantages. Judicious manipulation of unit shapes and their positioning on a given site can lead to optimization of solar radiation and its time distribution over the assemblage. This may provide better potential for solar electricity generation through building integrated photovoltaics that completely cover near-equatorial facing roofs, as well as passive solar gains through optimally located window areas.