Information primarily for the stakeholder group of policymakers

Information primarily for the stakeholder group of investors

This report delves into the transformative potential of Solar Energy Buildings[1] (SEBs) as a credible solution for mitigating carbon emissions within the building sector. Focused on advancing technologies in this field, the report offers a comprehensive overview of promising innovations, evaluates existing technologies, and conducts a survey encompassing 150 cases to understand current practices and system integrations. A main aspect of this report is the market potential analysis derived from the amassed data. By synthesizing information from the technology evaluations, case studies, and expert knowledge, the report provides strategic insights into the growth prospects of individual technologies. The market potential analysis not only identifies key opportunities but also highlights challenges and areas. The research also focuses on the markets of four specific countries, providing an examination of the solar technology landscape within each. The depth of this investigation is essential for understanding the global applicability and regional nuances influencing the adoption of solar energy in building structures.To enhance accessibility and comprehension, the report employs a visual representation of results through a technology radar. This tool serves as a comprehensive guide for stakeholders, offering a clear visualization of technological trends, their current usage, and future potential. For the most widely adopted technologies, the report goes a step further by providing additional information on their application, benefits, and potential drawbacks. In conclusion, this research report serves as a valuable resource for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and investors seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of SEBs. By providing a detailed analysis of current technologies, market dynamics, and potential future trends, the report equips its audience with the insights needed to make informed decisions in fostering sustainable and low-carbon building practices. [1] Solar energy buildings, in a central European climate, aim to achieve solar energy fractions of at least 85% for heating, 100% for cooling, and 60% for electricity requirements, which includes household use and e-mobility.

Seven different solutions of Solar Energy Building communities have been investigated by means of calculations with different detailed simulation models. For each solution, parameter variations were carried out to determine optimized solutions.

The calculations included systems in different climates and locations, such as European, Asian and Australian locations.

The solutions can be of inspiration for planners, architects and consultants in connection with planning and designing of future Solar Energy Buildings and communities as well as in connection with renovation of existing buildings and communities.  

The is a video of the results of IEA SHC Task 66.

In the field of solar energy, the provision of clear and brief materials is essential for spreading knowledge and aiding stakeholders in making informed decisions. Fact sheets serve as concise, easily digestible documents that provide essential information about solar energy technologies and their applications. They typically include data on the latest advancements, comparisons between different technologies, and their suitability for specific building needs, climates, or regions. In the context of the SEBs (Solar Energy Buildings) Task 66, fact sheets are designed to complement previous research results like the Technology Radar from Deliverable D2 by offering quick and accessible insights into the current status and potential of various solar technologies. The authors of the individual fact sheets are representing industry and research partners. They summarize key attributes, benefits, and limitations, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions quickly. The Fact sheets present complex information in a simplified format, making it easier for decision-makers, engineers, and other stakeholders within the SEB business to stay updated on the status and development of solar technologies. By standardizing the presentation of data, fact sheets enable straightforward comparisons between different solar technologies.

Designing new or converting existing buildings into Solar Energy Buildings or communities involves tools and methods for the different building life cycle phases from cradle to grave.

A survey was conducted to investigate which methods and tools are used and which are missing, including interviews with 46 stakeholders in 4 different countries.

The conducted interviews were 16 in Germany, 18 in China, 8 in Austria, and 4 in Denmark.

Solar Energy Building designs and the technologies used to supply heat, cold and electricity largely depend on the climates where the buildings are operated, building practices, and the energy infrastructure.

For example, in countries with a high share of district heating, centralized renewable energy systems are often applied by the district heating utilities, leading to a better economy for central systems compared to possible decentralized renewable energy systems.

The report presents excerpts of the different countries' energy landscape and the survey results.

This report aims to foster the utilization of renewable technologies in solar buildings by identifying the technologies and possible combinations of technologies already in use.

A total of 22 demonstration cases of Solar Energy Buildings and Building Blocks inside and outside district heating areas are described.

The demonstration cases are located in Europe, Asia and Australia. The demonstration cases can serve as inspiration in connection with planning of future Solar Energy Buildings and Communities.

Guidelines for monitoring and reporting of Solar Energy Buildings and Communities has been prepared. The guidelines give detailed information on how best to follow the operation of the Solar Energy Buildings and Communities.

The guidelines are of vital importance in connection with evaluation of the different technologies as well as of the combinations of the technologies used in the Solar Energy Buildings.

Stakeholder’s viewpoints concerning different aspects on planning and project development of future Solar Energy Buildings and Communities have been gathered and analysed. The viewpoints were selected by means of 309 filled in questionnaires from stakeholders in the field. Viewpoints from Germany, China, Mexico, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Slovakia, India, Sweden, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands and USA were included in the analyses. The most important barriers for a fast spread of Solar Energy Buildings and Communities were identified

In subtask A of the SHC Task 66 “Solar Energy Buildings”, definitions for reference buildings, building blocks and/or communities shall be elaborated to enable

• a comparison of different energy supply concepts on the basis of clear and comprehensible boundary conditions,
• the elaboration of reasonable energy supply concepts for typical buildings, building blocks and/or communities in the participating countries based on representative samples,
• the validation and calibration of simulation models based on representative samples.

Each Task 66 participant may define one or more country-specific reference building(s) for each of the country-relevant building types (single family, multi family, block, community) and related heating system(s).

This document serves as a guideline, indicated as “Part 1”, and provides a spreadsheet file for the definition of the characteristics of the country-specific reference buildings, building blocks and/or communities. This spreadsheet is indicated as “Part 2”.

Template for Definition of Reference Solar Energy Buildings Part 2 of 2