ABSTRACT
Global ecological apprehensions and the mounting energy demand are giving way to innovative opportunities for the utilization of non-conventional sources of energy. Between all accessible non-conventional energy systems, the one most plentifully found is solar energy. Also, total solar energy that falls upon the earth’s surface in an hour can fulfill global needs for the whole year. Solar power harnessing is best done using photovoltaic technology. Awareness to incorporate photovoltaics onto the building’s periphery, façade, or roof is gradually increasing. The photovoltaic layer turns out to be the outer layer of the structure substituting the conventional building materials and also providing with green energy. In this chapter, the performance of stand-alone and grid-connected photovoltaic systems, their energy storage and management methods, and various shading and climatic effects in smart buildings are reviewed.
