Energy and Sustainability Performance of Building-Integrated PV Façades in Hot-Arid Urban Environments: Insights from Riyadh

Zeinab Elhassan^*

• Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The integration of renewable energy systems into building envelopes has become a vital approach for enhancing urban sustainability and lowering operational energy consumption, especially in areas with extreme climatic conditions. Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) facades provide a multifunctional solution by concurrently functioning as architectural envelope elements and on-site power generation systems. This dual functionality is particularly pertinent in hot-arid urban environments, where structures are subjected to intense solar radiation, elevated ambient temperatures, and significant cooling demands.This research provides a thorough evaluation of the energy efficiency and sustainability prospects of a façade-integrated photovoltaic system in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A 5.6 kWp BIPV façade system was assessed through a comprehensive simulation-based methodology executed in PVSyst, which included site-specific climatic data, three-dimensional shading analysis, thermal performance modeling, and system loss assessment. The performance analysis demonstrates that the system produces approximately 8,200 kWh of electricity annually, with a performance ratio varying from 0.78 to 0.83 despite challenging thermal conditions. The ventilated façade configuration is crucial in minimizing temperature-induced efficiency reductions, while the near-vertical installation diminishes soiling effects relative to traditional rooftop systems.From a sustainability standpoint, the BIPV façade aids in reducing operational energy use, minimizing cooling demands, and lowering carbon emissions while substituting traditional façade materials. Sensitivity analysis identifies module temperature, shielding geometry, and ventilation efficiency as the primary factors affecting system performance. The findings indicate that façade-integrated BIPV systems constitute a technically viable, environmentally advantageous, and architecturally appropriate renewable energy solution for hot-arid urban settings. The study offers practical insights for architects, engineers, and policymakers aiming to promote climate-responsive building design and urban energy transitions in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030 and international sustainability goals.