Assessing the passive tracking potential of PV-Integrated building façades in a low-Latitude site

Custódio, Isadora Pauli, Pinto, Gustavo Xavier de Andrade, Ebert, Sabrina Rodrigues, Hohmann, Matheus, Silva, Thamires Alves, Braga, Marília, Rüther, Ricardo

ISES Solar World Congress 2025 · Fortaleza, Brazil · 2025-11-03
Published by International Solar Energy Society (ISES)
DOI: 10.18086/swc.2025.08.03

Abstract

In dense urban areas, where roof space is limited and shading is common, façade-integrated photovoltaic (PV) systems offer an effective alternative to expand solar generation. When distributed across multiple orientations, façades can act as passive trackers, capturing sunlight throughout the day. This study compares the performance of building-integrated PV (BIPV) façades with a horizontal single-axis tracker (SAT) bifacial PV plant at a low-latitude site in Florianópolis, Brazil (27°S). Using measured and simulated data from clear-sky days and annual analyses, façades achieved up to 74% and 77% of the tracker’s energy output in fall and winter, respectively, with an annual average tracking potential of 42%. The integration of rooftop and façade systems improved total generation and aligned production with residential, commercial and industrial building demand peaks. These results highlight the potential of BIPV façades to enhance self-consumption, reduce grid dependency, and support the development of nearly zero-energy buildings.

Keywords

BIPV potential, PV-integrated building façades, tracking potential, low-latitude sites, passive solar tracking, self-consumption

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