Greenroofs.comConnecting the Planet + Living Architecture
Greenwood of Medium writes:
Integrating green roofs and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can enhance the way they work and their overall effectiveness by cooling and shading effects. The results from numerous experiments display a positive outcome from their integration; green roof surface and soil temperature are reduced from shading and higher output of PV panels is achieved from the cooling effect. If the micro-climate around panels is too hot the panels may not work efficiently. Green roofs help to keep ambient temperatures around the panels close to 25c, the ideal temperature for solar energy production.
Green Roofs and Solar Power should be Part of our Future
Many experts believe that biosolar (green roofs and solar panels) technology could deliver widespread environmental, social and economic benefits. Vegetation lowers the heat load on a building’s roof and reduces air-conditioning needs and costs; cutting down on residents’ electricity bills and reducing their carbon footprint.
With the fight for space becoming an ever-worsening issue in cities, roofs provide an oasis of unused space that can be exploited to meet the energy needs of residents and support a vital habitat for wildlife.
Watch this video “Biosolar Roofs” by Nathalie Baumann and Dusty Gedge from our Virtual Summit 2015:
Read more: What is a biosolar roof and how could it change city living?
Joe Byles
Green roofs do not enhance solar production via cooling given the height of the solar panels over the green roof. Green roofs do not provide cooling to a majority of the building on multi-story buildings.
Linda Velazquez
Hi Joe, Thanks for your comments but I have to say you are incorrect regarding the first sentence! Please see just a few sites on the matter at:
https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/cgi/
https://livingroofs.org/green-roofs-solar-power/
https://livingarchitecturemonitor.com/news/2018/1/5/green-roofs-boost-solar-energy-output-compared-to-white-roofing-study
https://www.triplepundit.com/story/2013/green-roofs-boost-photovoltaic-panels/53676
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281901499_Integration_of_green_roof_and_solar_photovoltaic_systems
The second sentence is true overall; however, greenroofs can provide excellent heating and cooling reduction for the floor beneath which can relate to energy cost reduction to the building. Just some examples due to their respective living roofs:
The former GAP HQ (now YouTube HQ): Annual energy savings are reportedly 30% less;
Ford Motor River Rouge Plant/Dearborn Truck Plant: Ford says the greenroof keeps the inside “an estimated 10°F warmer in winter & 10°F cooler in summer.” ;
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center: Annual energy consumption is reduced by 26%;
Salesforce Transit Center Park: Projected annual energy costs to be up to 25% lower…
Green Roofs and Solar Power should be Part of our Future – Residential Contractor
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