The use of large glass surfaces and curtain walls in architecture has led to a growing need for carefully designed shading. Photovoltaic modules of various shapes can be used as shading elements above windows or as the upper part of a glazed structure. The photovoltaic shading system can be mobile, so that it tilts towards the sun for maximum energy utilization, while it creates a different level of shading in the interior.
Solar collectors on residential buildings and commercial buildings are mainly used for the preparation of sanitary or technological water, for space heating or for other thermal processes in which operating temperatures reach up to 100°C. Choosing the type of solar collectors depends on many factors, such as the location where the object is located due to the intensity of solar radiation, the time of day when you want to achieve the greatest effects in meeting the needs for hot water, the aesthetic needs of the object where they are installed, etc.
Nowadays, integral receivers of solar energy are widely used, which arose from the desire to obtain simpler and cheaper solar collectors with the same effects as classic types of collectors. This was achieved by integrating the function of the solar energy receiver and part of the facade or roof of the construction object, by directly integrating the collector into a functional unit with the object. The effects of this construction are usually twofold: the thermal characteristics of the wall or roof are improved and the projected amount of energy is provided. In this case, the cost of making the facade or roof is usually lower, because the collector forms the outer covering of the building.
Integrating active solar plants into residential buildings represents an architectural challenge, since to a large extent the development of solar energy systems is characterized by the desire for energy efficiency at low costs and neglecting the architectural aspect. It should be noted that solar systems, in addition to being an economical source of energy, can be conveniently integrated in residential buildings as a multipurpose element, which increases the architectural quality of the building.
New buildings should always be designed and built to be energy efficient. The energy spent on construction and use of buildings should be reduced to a minimum. In the case of new construction, this can be achieved by appropriate orientation, passive use of solar energy and the selection of appropriate materials.
The architectural appearance of a residential building or other building is very important and is certainly affected by installed solar thermal and photovoltaic panels. Unobtrusive and well-integrated solar collectors give a special aesthetic quality to a residential building or other building, especially when it comes to new construction. And when it comes to renovation, i.e. reconstruction of buildings or structures, certainly solar collectors significantly influence the formation of a new architectural or aesthetic expression. In old buildings, energy consumption can be significantly reduced by insulating the building envelope, using windows with better U-values for thermal performance, replacing the heating system, etc. The remaining energy needs can be covered by active systems that use energy from renewable sources.
From the aspect of environmental protection, the transition to renewable energy sources will enable the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and ash production, which is one of the key problems in Serbia. Although more expensive, the energy produced in this way is in the long run just as profitable as energy from fossil fuels because it does not bear additional costs that arise due to the impact on the health of residents, the land or the ecosystem. before proceeding with their design and realization of the system, it is necessary to carry out a detailed techno-economic analysis of all important factors that were the subject of this study, both individually and in mutual correlation. An important aspect for the application of solar technology is the constant promotion of the use of solar energy, where the role of the media is very significant.
