A study on association between tilt angle, solar insolation exposure and output of solar PV panel using BIM 3D modelling

Solar PV has been used extensively in the construction industry as non-renewable energy is not environmentally friendly and is costly. Building Information Modelling (BIM) can incorporate the solar energy application to reduce the dependency of non-renewable energy. This study attempted to propose a model of solar analysis using BIM software on existing buildings at Padang Besar, in terms of best orientation and optimum tilt angle. The finding of July 2017 shows that the ideal orientation of solar panel installation for the building is tilted 10 degrees North and 20 degrees West. Analysis indicated that the higher solar irradiance harvested contributed towards higher generation of power. The use of BIM software incorporating fieldwork data proved to be more convenient compared to the conventional physical method in proposing options for solar panel installation. The finding from the solar analysis of the proposed model indicates that solar insolation exposure on the roof increased by 1.45% compared to the existing roof design. Therefore, it can increase the renewable energy potential in an effective way.