Energy Savings by Solar Reflectance vs Thermal Insulation on Roofs of Residential and Non‐residential Buildings in Mexico
Abstract
Thermal building simulations were carried out for the climate conditions of 20 cities in Mexico. We analyze the effects on thermal loads of variations in both solar reflectance and thermal insulation of a roof's exterior surface. The results are quantitative estimates of the reductions in annual (cooling + heating) loads reachable through adequate solar reflectance and thermal insulation of buildings in each city. Additionally, the adequate range of solar reflectance values is defined for each climate zone.
Keywords
Solar reflectance, Thermal insulation, Cool roofs, Energy savings, Buildings.