Photovoltaic Facade in Malaysia: The Development and Current Issues

The aim of this study is to review the current development of photovoltaic façade technology and assess the potential, issues and future regarding photovoltaic installation on vertical building façade in Malaysia with a focus on architectural aspect. Photovoltaic solar energy has become dominant and commercially available among the various renewable energy sources in Malaysia. It is now progressively developed and has become more reliable with significant potential for long-term growth. The application of photovoltaic technology should be broadened to maximize the limitless availability of solar radiation, especially in the tropical region. Past research from other countries has shown that PV vertical façade has great potential to generate electricity. Although the photovoltaic façade application in tropical urban areas can be a difficult challenge in Malaysia, with appropriate design and implementation it can create a new architectural tool in the Malaysian built environment and open up new possibilities in renewable energy’s future.

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