Sky view factor as predictor of solar availability on building façades

摘要: Abstract Solar availability on urban facades varies significantly, affected by obstructions nearby buildings as well orientation. A convenient way to evaluate their solar energy potential is deemed facilitate the task of architects in increasing use photovoltaic systems and, thus generation environment. This study explores what extent sky view factor (SVF), a measure openness point sky, can be employed for evaluating irradiation complex scenes. For this purpose, extensive statistical analysis was performed testing correlation SVF with irradiances 30 orientations, considering three European climates (i.e. Athens, London and Helsinki), periods year, January July). Special emphasis put global irradiance, which expresses sum components, i.e. direct, diffuse reflected. The uses 24 forms - 500 × 500 m area irradiance simulations were nine models (three locations periods). results reveal strong linear relationship (R2 > 0.8) between annual all at locations. In fact, found correlate both major direct diffuse, it presumably used predicting facades' any location within tested range latitudes. With respect monthly appears less consistent, increased sensitivity facade orientation location's latitude, associated variations altitude.