Energy and sustainability performance of building-integrated PV façades in hot-arid urban environments: insights from Riyadh

Introduction The integration of renewable energy systems into building envelopes has become a vital strategy for enhancing urban sustainability and reducing operational energy consumption, particularly in regions characterized by extreme climatic conditions. Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) façades offer a multifunctional solution by serving both as architectural envelope components and on-site renewable energy generators, which is especially relevant in hot-arid environments with high solar radiation and cooling demands. Methods This study evaluates the energy and sustainability performance of a façade-integrated photovoltaic system in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A 5.6 kWp BIPV façade system was analyzed using a simulation-based methodology implemented in PVsyst, incorporating site-specific climatic data, three-dimensional shading analysis, thermal modeling, and system loss assessment. Results Simulation results indicate that the system produces approximately 8,200 kWh of electricity annually, achieving a performance ratio between 0.78 and 0.83 despite challenging thermal conditions. The ventilated façade configuration reduces temperature-related efficiency losses, while the near-vertical installation minimizes dust accumulation compared with conventional rooftop PV systems. Discussion The findings demonstrate that façade-integrated BIPV systems represent a technically viable and environmentally beneficial renewable energy solution for hot-arid urban environments. The system contributes to reducing cooling demand, lowering carbon emissions, and supporting climate-responsive architecture aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 sustainability objectives.