The Role of Solar Photovoltaic Roofs in Energy-Saving Buildings: Research Progress and Future Development Trends

The depletion of global resources has intensified efforts to address energy scarcity. One promising area is the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) roofs for energy savings. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 333 articles published between 1993 and 2023 in the Web of Science (WOS) core database to provide a global overview of research on solar photovoltaic (PV) roofs, with a particular emphasis on their energy-saving benefits. The analysis identifies current trends and future development trajectories in this field. Over the past three decades, research on solar PV roofs has shown steady growth, progressing from initial exploration to stable development. Key research themes include integrating renewable energy with building efficiency, the synergistic benefits of green roofs and PV systems, the design and practical application of PV-integrated roofs, and optimization techniques for parametric models. Future research will likely prioritize the efficient integration of PV components with roof maintenance structures, shifting from solely assessing PV component performance to evaluating the holistic performance of roofs and their broader impact on the built environment. This shift underscores the importance of improving the overall sustainability of the building. By aligning research efforts with these emerging trends, stakeholders can contribute to developing more effective and sustainable energy solutions for the future.