Digitalizing Solar Energy Integration for Sustainable Urban Precinct Redevelopment
Abstract
This study presents a digital twin-enabled workflow developed to support the integration of solar energy in sustainable urban precinct redevelopment. With a case study of the Sunshine Precinct redevelopment project in Victoria, Australia, the workflow combines 3D geospatial modeling, solar potential mapping, and dynamic PV system simulation to assess rooftop photovoltaics (PV) and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) potential at precinct scale. The workflow enables precise, scalable, and scenario-based evaluation of solar opportunities across complex urban environments. Preliminary results highlight significant gains in total energy capture and generation stability when rooftop PV and BIPV are integrated strategically. The digital twin approach offers an effective decision-support tool for urban planners, architects, and policymakers, facilitating data-driven design interventions and accelerating the transition toward net-zero energy urban precincts.
Keywords
Digital twin, urban solar potential, photovoltaic, building-integrated photovoltaics, renewable energy transition.