Analysis of Photovoltaic Panel Integration for Achieving Net-Zero Energy in French Residential Retrofits in a Mediterranean Climate

Abstract

The construction sector significantly contributes to global energy consumption, with 34% of final energy use and 19% of greenhouse gas emissions. In the EU, buildings account for 40% of total energy consumption and 36% of emissions. Most energy use in buildings (about 65%) comes from structures built before 2000. To save energy, it is crucial to assess and enhance the energy efficiency of existing residential buildings, aiming to streamline retrofitting, reduce consumption, and improve thermal comfort. This study aims to identify optimal passive solutions for renovating a traditional “Puccini” house in Nice, France, to boost energy efficiency and comfort, considering the Mediterranean climate. This study involves implementing passive strategies suitable for existing structures, including insulating external walls, roofs, and floors, upgrading windows, utilizing internal canopies, and minimizing air infiltration. By deploying these passive strategies, the house’s energy demand could be slashed by approximately 50%, dropping from 112.16 to 52.34 kWh/m²/year. To meet the remaining energy needs, integrating photovoltaic panels into the building’s shell as an active system on the roof is proposed. This design not only preserves the building’s aesthetics but also covers a substantial portion of the electrical energy demand.