1. Integrating Solar Panels on building facades in Singapore
Group members:
Choong Choy Teng
Cui Tingting
Do Thi Hong Van
Goh Siok Lee
Le Nguyen Hanh Phuong
Nguyen Dinh Song Anh
Tan Jia Ling Esther
Tran Phuong Quynh
Woon Shi Yun
Yang Kailin
Integrating Solar Panels on building facades in Singapore
Presenting to Far East Organisation CEO, Mr Michael Chew

2. Outline Introduction Prospects Benefits Installations Limitations
Overcoming the Limitations
Conclusion

3. Introduction

4. Origin of solar panels
Earlier inventions of solar panels were made for trips to outer space as satellites require electricity to function
Invented since 1839, but over next 100 years there were no developments because nobody saw a reason to use solar panels
During that time there was no shortage of power and no global warming issues
However in 1950s, the former Soviet Union and USA were competing with each other on the space explorations projects. They wanted to launch space shuttles into the outer space.
The only energy source they could get was from the sun, and this was when the breakthrough in solar panels started.

5. INTRODUCTION - Purpose
Study the feasibility of incorporating façade-integrated solar panels in Singapore context
INTRODUCTION - Purpose

6. INTRODUCTION - Background
State of our environment
43 years worth of Oil left
197 years worth of Gas left
417 years worth of Coal left
INTRODUCTION - Background

7. Introduction Solar Energy  Electrical Energy
To prepare ourselves for that day, we have to make use of renewable energy technology.
Solar Energy  Electrical Energy

8. INTRODUCTION - Background
Why Solar Energy
Renewable & inexhaustible
Free energy resource
Pollution-free
INTRODUCTION - Background

9. Introduction Utilization of Solar Energy in Buildings Cost effective
Energy efficient
Low maintenance cost

10. Introduction Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
Installing solar panels as part of building structure
Roofs, curtain walls, and sunshades are potential areas for incorporating solar panels

11. INTRODUCTION - Background
Objectives
Integrating solar panels on the building facades to
generate clean energy
achieve energy savings
After a lot of research, our group have found out that solar energy would be an ideal solution to all of the above concerns. It is not only a clean, renewable source which deals with pollution issue, but also very suitable in the Singapore context. Singapore just meets all the needed requirements for the installation of solar panels which produces solar energy.
In order to exploit fully the potential of solar energy, our group decide to incorporate the solar panels into facades instead of roofs so that we can make use of the larger areas exposed to sunlight. However, during the study, we also found that incorporating into facades might also have many limitations which prevents ppl from using such technology. Therefore, we come up with some solutions to overcome those probs which will be further elaborated in later parts.
INTRODUCTION - Background

12. Prospects of Solar Panels in Singapore
Now, I will continue with the prospects of solar panels in Singapore.

13. Singapore’s Efforts
$50 million MND Research Fund for the Built Environment to encourage sustainable development projects such as integrating solar technologies into building facades. It covers 30% to 75% of the qualifying cost of the project.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that clean energy has been elevated as a strategic growth area for Singapore.
Minister of National Development Mah Bow Tan and Minister for Environment and Water Resources Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, put forth the S$1 billion green plan to be implemented over the next five years to help build a greener, more energy efficient and sustainable nation.
BCA’s Green Mark Scheme introduced.
Jan
2007
March
2007
Sep
2009
2005
Let’s look at Singapore’s efforts in encouraging the usage of solar energy.
Initially in 1992, the idea of this sunny island plugging into solar power was raised, discussed and dismissed. Probably at that point of time, people do not see a need in conserving energy.
In 2005, there was a breakthrough on the government’s part to construct a green environment when BCA’s green mark scheme was introduced. The scheme makes it compulsory for new buildings to obtain at least a Gold award. Since this scheme was introduced, there has been an increase in number of developers approaching grenzone, the system integrator of solar panels that we interviewed.
In 2007, the clean energy research and test-bedding programme was introduced to provide supports for public sector companies to develop clean solar energy applications. Some test-bedding projects include Singapore polytechnic, BCA’s ZEB and the EDB’s Punggol.
1992
2007
Early
2007
2008
Early
2009
The idea of Spore plugging into solar power was raised, discussed and dismissed.
S$17 million Clean Energy Research and Test-bedding (CERT) introduced to provide supports for companies to develop clean solar energy applications using government buildings and facilities.
S$20 million Solar Capability Scheme (SCS) to encourage the integration of solar panels into green building by subsidizing up to 40% of the project costs.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) identified the field of Clean Energy, with emphasis on solar technology, as a key growth area and dedicate a total of S$170 million to develop and build R&D and manpower competencies in Clean Energy over the next five years.
Housing and Development Board (HDB) introduced the S$31 million largest solar test-bed project in Singapore, aimed to install solar panels in 30 HDB eco-precincts by 2015.

14. Prospects Singapore’s Aim
To increase Singapore's cumulative installed base of solar systems from 200kW (in 2008) to 5mW
"Singapore aims to be a 'Living Lab' where companies can test-bed and demonstrate solutions... to help build the critical capabilities of solar players...“
– Dr Beh Swan Gin,
EDB's Managing Director

15. Prospects Suitability in Singapore
“High amount, constant and even provision and the predominately diffuse nature of solar radiation are key advantages for grid- connected BIPV in Singapore.”
– Steven K. Wittkopf
Singapore is located close to the Equator
Singapore’s solar radiation is 50% more than in Germany
Solar radiation in Singapore is regular throughout the year
Solar radiation in Singapore also has the predominant diffuse nature
“High amount, constant and even provision and the predominately diffuse nature of solar radiation are key advantages for grid-connected BIPV” – Steven K. Wittkoph

16. Prospects Current situation regarding solar energy globally:
Germany and Japan, the leading users of solar power, are a long way ahead in the game.
The price of solar power is falling by 5% a year.
How then will Singapore compete?
It is known that solar panels perform better on the roof than on façade.
We can aim to research on the solutions and export this knowledge to other countries.
The price of solar power is falling by 5% a year, and this will cause demand to increase tremendously worldwide.
Germany and Japan, two of the world's leading users of solar power, are a long way ahead in the game. Through strong government subsidies, the two nations have the highest number of solar installations worldwide.
How then will Singapore compete?

17. Prospects
Tampines Grande, one of Singapore’s private sector test-beds, uses Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) panels as part of its façade.
Singapore has the initiative to install solar panels on building facades. They are researching and test-bedding …

18. Prospects Why on Façade? Land limitations in Singapore
High concentrations of tall buildings per hectare of land
Large size of façades
Large areas available for receiving solar radiation
INTRODUCTION - Background

19. Prospects High-rise linear commercial buildings
Upper storeys of building façade

20. Benefits

21. Benefits BIPV Promising renewable energy technology
Viable Green Building Strategy
INTRODUCTION - Background

22. INTRODUCTION - Background
Benefits
Greater material cost saving
Lower cost of electricity
No extra space and cost needed for installation
INTRODUCTION - Background

23. INTRODUCTION - Background
Benefits
Eye-appealing appearance
Weather protection
Environmentally friendly power generation
INTRODUCTION - Background

24. Installation of Solar panel on facade
Thank you Shi yun for sharing the prospect and benefit of installing solar panel. Now I going to tell you how to install solar panel on façade.

25. Installation
Methods of installing solar panels on the façade of the building are similar to the roof.
Installation on the roofs depends on the type of the roof.
Other types of installations are independent like Amorphous or Thin film PV and Building Integration Photovoltaic
The methods of installing solar panels on the façade of the building are actually similar to the installation on the roof. The method of installation of roof depends on the types of roof. For example, aluminium brackets are used to clamp onto the ridge of metal roof. After which solar panels are mounted on it. Other types of installations are independents like Amorphous or thin film PV and building integration photovoltaic.

26. Installation
Installation of solar panels on building façade will be similar to the installation of the curtain walls.
Due to the used of BIPV technology on the building façade.
For example, mounting pieces of solar panels onto the structural system of the envelope of the building.
The installation of solar panels on building façade will be similar to the installation of the curtain due to the use of BIPV technology on the building façade. In other words the solar modules are integrated into the building elements and allowed us to install as a curtain wall. For example, mounting pieces of solar panels onto the structural system of the envelope of the building.

27. Installation Types of curtain wall installation:
Stick system
Unit system
Unit and mullion system
Type of installation selected:
Type of installation selected for the installation of façade is unit and mullion system. Next slide I will further explain how the installation is carried out?

28. Installation Curtain wall installation unit and mullion system
Let watch a video to show the installation of unit and mullions system.

29. Installation Below are the steps of installation: Set out main marking
Installation of anchorage angle plate to floor
Installation of mullion
Installation of horizontal transom
Installation of glass panel with modules integrated
Will demonstrate with models.

30. Installation Below are the steps of installation:
Installation of interior mullion trim
Install the cable connection of the solar panel to the switch room
Seal the surrounding with waterproofing compound like sealant (single-stage joint) as a air and rain barrier
Inspection after installation
Will demonstrate with models.

31. Installation Must comply with the building codes.
Must take into consideration all load imposed on the solar panels during design stage.
The installation must comply with the building codes like the watertight and airtight of the panel and no exposure of cables. Same as installation of curtain walling, the solar panels must be designed to handle all load imposed on it. The loads include dead load, wind load, seismic load, thermal load and blast load.
(note find the definition of load, in case more question ask my lecturer)

32. Installation Grid-connected System
Connected by a direct current (DC) cable with negative and positive polarities
Electricity converted by the solar cells comes out as DC energy.
DC energy needs to go through an inverter to convert DC into alternative current (AC)
Actual generated power AC will be linked into the electrical switch board.
Grid-connected System
Grid-connected system is adopted for the solar panel installation. This system is used wherever there is power station available. The solar panels are connected by a direct current (DC) cable with negative and positive polarities like how a battery is connected. Electricity converted by the solar cells comes out as DC energy.
DC energy needs to go through an inverter to convert DC into alternative current (AC) before it can be used. The actual generated power AC will be linked into the electrical switch board. Cables are hidden in the cable conduit. The cable conduit runs underneath the solar panels, to the switch room.
I have end my presentation on installation.
THE COMPONENTS THAT MAKE UP A TYPICAL GRID-CONNECTED PV SYSTEM. (SOURCE:

33. Limitations Position of solar panels
Next is the limitations. Though there are benefits in installing solar panels, Singapore still has limitation to install solar panels on the building façade. Under limitations, there are 4 sections namely, position of solar panels, shading & shadowing due to the design and surrounding of the buildings, thermal heat transfers and cost of solar panels.
Position of solar panels
Shading & Shadowing (design & surrounding of the buildings)
Thermal heat transfers
Cost of solar panels

34. Position of solar panels
Why solar panels installed on the façade are not able to be exposed to direct sunlight?
(a) Singapore is located near to the equator.
(b) Her sun path is always upright, +/- degree
Why solar panels installed on the façade is not able to be exposed to direct sunlight? Singapore is located near to the North of the equator. Her sun path is always upright, +/- to some degree. In Japan and Australia, their sun lies at the eye level, so the installation of solar panels on façades is more effective in these countries.

35. Position of solar panels
Why solar panels on façade has lower efficiency as compared to the roof?
Solar panels installed on the east or/and west façade will only be exposed to direct sunlight for half the day.
Why solar panels on façade has lower efficiency as compared to the roof? Or lower efficiency than average?
Solar panels are also installed on the east or/and west façade. This means that it will only be exposed to direct sunlight for half the day. In other words, during the morning, sunlight from east will be received and in the afternoon, from the west.

36. Shading & shadowing Fact: Hence,
By shading just 10% of a photovoltaic surface can reduce the total output by more than 50%.
Hence,
the output of power will drop significantly even with small shadows.
Fact: By shading just 10% of a photovoltaic surface can reduce the total output by more than 50%.
Hence, the output of power will drop significantly even with small shadows.

37. Shading & shadowing Factors result in shading and shadowing:
Design of the buildings
Buildings are slender and tall often cast shadows of themselves or on other buildings.
Distances between buildings
As compared to roof , façade systems are
most susceptible to shading from adjacent buildings
required great distance between buildings than roof systems

38. Shading & shadowing
Unwanted shadowing situations will limit the total amount of solar gains on the façade.
It reduces the efficiency of energy production since they do not receive direct sunlight.

39. The increase in energy consumption will increase the electrical costs.
Thermal heat transfer
During the conversion of energy within the solar panels, heat is generated.
Heat will enter into the building and increase energy consumption of the air-conditioning
Other than the design and surrounding of the building, the other limitation is the thermal heat transfer. During the conversion of energy within the solar panels, heat is generated. The huge amount of heat will enter into the building and subsequently, increase in energy consumption of the air-conditioning. This is because more cooling load is required to keep the room in an optimal temperature. The increase in energy consumption will increase the electrical costs. Hence, this will defeat the purpose of saving energy consumption and cost when using solar panels.
The increase in energy consumption will increase the electrical costs.

40. Thermal heat transfer
The higher temperature of the solar cells, the lower the efficiency of the conversion to electricity.
For example, the high temperature (75°C) will cause a drop of 25% of the power being converted into electricity.
Another limitation is that the higher the temperature of the solar cells, the lower the efficiency of the conversion to electricity.
For example, the high temperature (75°C) will cause a drop of 25% of the power being converted into electricity.

41. Cost of solar panel Solar panels is high capital investments.
Frank Phua of Singaporean solar manufacturer Sunseap Enterprise commented that it would take “16 years to break even compared to buying electricity on the grid” (Tan, 2009)
The other limitation is the cost of solar panel.
Currently, solar panels still remain high capital investments; they make little economic sense unless there is a breakthrough development in solar panel engineering
Until the costs of energy provided by solar panels (inclusive of installation and maintenance) are on par with electricity rates from the grid, Singapore’s Economic Development Board has decided that the country will not use solar power. It will likely happen only in the next decade.

42. Cost of solar panel
Professor Lee Siew Eang from National University of Singapore mentioned that “currently in Singapore the electricity generated from solar panels is more expensive than buying from the power grid. This is due to a lack of incentives from the government”.

43. Cost of solar panel
Recently, the Singapore government has introduced some subsidies scheme.
For example, solar capability scheme subsidises up to 40% of the project cost.
Only increase a small number of developers interested in the installation of solar panels.
Though recently, the Singapore government has introduced some subsidies scheme to encourage industrial or developer to install their own panels. For example, solar capability scheme subsidises up to 40% of the project cost which will reduce the payback period from 25 years to 12 or 14 years. Only increase a small number of developers interested in the installation of solar panels.

44. Cost of solar panel
Main concern is on the initial cost of installation instead of the long run reductions in electrical costs.
Investors worry that if a huge amount of initial cost is spent, there may not be returns in the future.
They would rather rely on the current energy technologies available.
The developers’ main concern is on the initial cost of installation instead of the long run reductions in electrical costs. Their mind set is still tradition. They may also worry that if a huge amount of initial cost is spent, there may not be returns in the future, since the installation cost of the solar panel is like paying the electrical bills in advance. In addition, not many people see the importance of the use of renewable energy, global warming and the depletion of fuel in the future. Hence they would rather rely on the current energy technologies available rather than spending the money on the installation cost of solar panels.

45. Overcoming Limitations
Next is the limitations. Though there are benefits in installing solar panels, Singapore still has limitation to install solar panels on the building façade. Under limitations, there are 4 sections namely, position of solar panels, shading & shadowing due to the design and surrounding of the buildings, thermal heat transfers and cost of solar panels.
Position and angle
Thermal heat transfer
Design of building
Cost of solar panels

46. Overcoming the position & angles
Average hourly clearness index
Solar irradiance
Tilt angle

47. a. Average hourly clearness index
Characterization of sky conditions over a defined area
Influences amount of sunlight that panel can receive
The developers’ main concern is on the initial cost of installation instead of the long run reductions in electrical costs. Their mind set is still tradition. They may also worry that if a huge amount of initial cost is spent, there may not be returns in the future, since the installation cost of the solar panel is like paying the electrical bills in advance. In addition, not many people see the importance of the use of renewable energy, global warming and the depletion of fuel in the future. Hence they would rather rely on the current energy technologies available rather than spending the money on the installation cost of solar panels.

48. a. Average hourly clearness index
The developers’ main concern is on the initial cost of installation instead of the long run reductions in electrical costs. Their mind set is still tradition. They may also worry that if a huge amount of initial cost is spent, there may not be returns in the future, since the installation cost of the solar panel is like paying the electrical bills in advance. In addition, not many people see the importance of the use of renewable energy, global warming and the depletion of fuel in the future. Hence they would rather rely on the current energy technologies available rather than spending the money on the installation cost of solar panels.

49. b. Solar irradiance
Amount of solar energy that arrives at a specific area at a specific time
Determine if the location of panels is able to receive optimal sunlight
The developers’ main concern is on the initial cost of installation instead of the long run reductions in electrical costs. Their mind set is still tradition. They may also worry that if a huge amount of initial cost is spent, there may not be returns in the future, since the installation cost of the solar panel is like paying the electrical bills in advance. In addition, not many people see the importance of the use of renewable energy, global warming and the depletion of fuel in the future. Hence they would rather rely on the current energy technologies available rather than spending the money on the installation cost of solar panels.

50. b. Solar irradiance
The developers’ main concern is on the initial cost of installation instead of the long run reductions in electrical costs. Their mind set is still tradition. They may also worry that if a huge amount of initial cost is spent, there may not be returns in the future, since the installation cost of the solar panel is like paying the electrical bills in advance. In addition, not many people see the importance of the use of renewable energy, global warming and the depletion of fuel in the future. Hence they would rather rely on the current energy technologies available rather than spending the money on the installation cost of solar panels.

51. c. Tilt angle
Angle at which a solar module is set to face the sun relative to a horizontal position
Adjusted to maximize energy collection
The developers’ main concern is on the initial cost of installation instead of the long run reductions in electrical costs. Their mind set is still tradition. They may also worry that if a huge amount of initial cost is spent, there may not be returns in the future, since the installation cost of the solar panel is like paying the electrical bills in advance. In addition, not many people see the importance of the use of renewable energy, global warming and the depletion of fuel in the future. Hence they would rather rely on the current energy technologies available rather than spending the money on the installation cost of solar panels.

52. c. Tilt angle
The developers’ main concern is on the initial cost of installation instead of the long run reductions in electrical costs. Their mind set is still tradition. They may also worry that if a huge amount of initial cost is spent, there may not be returns in the future, since the installation cost of the solar panel is like paying the electrical bills in advance. In addition, not many people see the importance of the use of renewable energy, global warming and the depletion of fuel in the future. Hence they would rather rely on the current energy technologies available rather than spending the money on the installation cost of solar panels.

53. Overcoming thermal heat transfer

54. Overcoming thermal heat transfer

55. Overcoming the design of building

56. Overcoming The Design of Building
Upper floor façade
Advancement in appearance of solar cells
Poticer Solar in semi transparent glass

57. Overcoming the cost of solar panels

58. Overcoming the cost of solar panels
The cost of solar panels is a big deterrent, preventing people from incorporating such technology
Initiatives
Government support
Educational seminars and campaigns
Improvement in technology

59. a. Government support Official approval system
Training
Certification
Used as criterion to qualify companies that install solar panels for subsidies
Increase the confidence of contractors, developer and other clients

60. a. Government support Provide subsidies to:
Companies engaging in solar panel installation
Developers investing in solar panel technology
Public housing buildings

61. a. Government support Subsidies To reduce cost in the short run
To gain acceptance and popularity among developers working circles
To lead to greater demand for solar panels
Only by reducing costs in the short run - until technology breakthrough and supply balance out demand for solar panels - will costs go down in the long run, which will then allow the removal of subsidies.

62. b. Educational seminars and campaigns
Educate people that the high capital cost requirement could be offset by
Reduced operating costs
Lower cost per unit of efficient silicon photovoltaics used
Reduced initial installation cost

63. b. Educational seminars and campaigns
Show people the importance of solar
The long term benefits it brings about are worth the money

64. c. Improvement in technology
Increase efficiency of solar panels
Cut down operating cost
Shorter payback time
More effective way of producing solar panels
Reduce the cost of silicon photovoltaics material used
Costs in general will be reduced

65. Conclusion

66. Conclusion
"I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don't have to wait till oil and coal run out before we tackle that.” Thomas Edison 1931

67. Q & A

68. Thank You Choong Choy Teng (U086742U) Cui Tingting (U086791M)
Do Thi Hong Van (U086749Y)
Goh Siok Lee (U086725L)
Le Nguyen Hanh Phuong (U086745A)
Nguyen Dinh Song Anh (U077897B)
Tan Jia Ling Esther (U077924R)
Tran Phuong Quynh (U086748M)
Woon Shi Yun (U087787E)
Yang Kailin (U086774E)