Comparing insolation on building facades in five different climates

Abstract

Purpose The objective is to provide a quantitative insight on the dynamic nature of insolation on the building perimeter according to location, season and orientation. Such understanding is necessary for deciding on solar control strategies in diverse climatic environments, from low to high availability of insolation. Design/methodology/approach This study explores the seasonal changes of solar irradiation on building facades of various orientations at five locations with diverse climates (Reykjavik, London, Athens, Riyadh, Lagos). Solar data collected from the European PVGIS database is used to study the monthly distribution of global solar radiation incident on building facades at cardinal and ordinal orientations, as well as the proportions of its components. Findings The results illuminate the effects of the various factors on insolation. Among others: In all locations, horizontal surfaces receive more annual irradiation than any facade. In summer, east/west facades receive more radiation than south, hence solar protection on those directions is more important than on south. The beam fraction varies seasonally on south and north facades, but not so on east/west. Local atmospheric conditions can offset the importance of latitude on insolation levels and composition. Originality/value The paper utilises commonly available data to correlate insolation values and types under different factors across the globe, offering a better understanding on insolation for the design of greener buildings.