Investigation of the practicality and benefits of integrating photovoltaic (PV) arrays with greenroofs

Throughout Canada manufacturers and distributers of green roof and photovoltaic (PV) panels compete for installation projects on top of industrial, commercial and high-density residential rooftops. These technologies are often viewed as direct competitors as both systems reduce the environmental impact of buildings, albeit through different mechanisms, and consequently, rooftop designs rarely, if ever, apply both technologies. However, when integrated together, green roofs systems may improve the energy performance and lifetime of PV arrays through evapotranspirative cooling in combination with solar reflectance. Curently, there exists no published data on the practicality and benefits of integrating Solar PV with green roof systems in Canada. The research at the Green Roof Innovation Testing (GRIT) lab will deliver to our industrial partners Tremco and Bioroof: improved models, design tools and guidelines, and Canadian-based performance data which are essential to build consumer acceptance of new roof systems and to drive innovation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Liat Margolis

Student:

Matthew Perotto & Catherine Yoon

Partner:

Tremco

Discipline:

Architecture and design

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

University of Toronto