Visualization of photovoltaic clad buildings

The need to be able to visualize buildings is not new, and tools to aid architectural visualization have developed over the years, up to the current trends in computer-aided design. The emergence of complex building materials and an increase in the number of participants involved in the design process is placing more demands on visualization tools. The technology of photovoltaics, the conversion of solar energy to electricity, has resulted in the emergence of photovoltaics as a building material. Designs for photovoltaic clad buildings, new-build or refurbished, need to be viewed by client, architect, engineer, photovoltaic specialist and the public. Architects are concerned with aesthetics, engineers with structural and environmental performance. Clients are concerned with aesthetics, performance and cost. This paper investigates how computer-aided design technology can contribute to the visual assessment of photovoltaic clad buildings. Issues of computer representation and communication between interested parties in the design process are examined. Conclusions drawn are that widely used, low cost, commercially available software can contribute to the visualization of photovoltaic clad buildings, but issues are raised relating to the credibility and appropriateness of the end results of computer visualizations to meet the needs of interested parties. Areas for future research are outlined.