Energy Performance and Load Matching Analysis of Colored Opaque Photovoltaic Façades

Conventional photovoltaic (PV) modules are typically monochromatic and aesthetically incompatible with modern building façades, limiting their widespread application. To address this limitation, this study investigates the application of colored opaque PV modules integrated into office building façades, aiming to balance visual aesthetics with building energy performance. An EnergyPlus-based simulation model was established to evaluate the photovoltaic power generation and air-conditioning energy consumption under different color configurations. The results demonstrate that the installation of colored PV façades effectively reduces cooling and heating loads by decreasing solar heat gains while maintaining electricity generation capacity. Among the examined colors, blue modules exhibit the highest power generation due to superior spectral absorption, whereas gray and silver modules achieve better thermal balance and visual comfort. Overall, color-induced variations accounted for approximately 10%–20% of total generation, demonstrating that façade color can serve as a design parameter to balance architectural aesthetics and energy performance. Rooftop PV achieved high SSR (89.9%) but lower SCR (33.8%), indicating a mismatch between generation and demand. Façade PV achieved higher SCR (up to 45.9%), reflecting better temporal alignment. The findings offer theoretical guidance and design references for the practical implementation of colored building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in urban architecture.