Modular Façade Retrofit with Integrated Photovoltaics-Current Status and Future Development Demands

With the aim to promote carbon–neutral urban development, a number of recent pilot studies and building projects have investigated an innovative building retrofit solution: modular façade retrofit systems that combine photovoltaics products. Due to the novelty of this field, there is a limited systematic investigation of this promising solution. To present the state-of-the-art of this solution and to investigate future promotion needs, this study conducted a systematic literature study. Out of more than 200 relevant articles, 16 closely related papers were selected for in-depth review. Based on the review, the author proposed a definition of modular façade retrofit with integrated photovoltaics (MFRIPV) and summarized the current key focuses of MFRIPV, including energy performance and economic feasibility, system composition, and design process. The PV technologies and modular structural types of representative MFRIPV cases were also categorized. The findings showed that MFRIPV has satisfactory payback time and can be adopted in both residential and office buildings, providing multifunctional improvements such as better energy efficiency, interior daylight quality, solar energy harvesting and even vertical food production. To further promote MFRIPV application, the author suggested that aesthetic guidelines, integrated energy storage system, and design and management from a life-cycle perspective could be the next investigation priorities. The ultimate goal of MFRIPV should be “energy efficient, energy productive, aesthetically pleasing, user-centered design, easy for massive modular manufacture and assembling, easy for maintenance and upgrade, cost-effective’’. This study provided a foundation for advanced MFRIPV study and could serve as a reference for architects, building engineers, researchers, and policy-makers working in the field of sustainable urban renewal.