Sathkumara, T M; Waidyasekara, A S and Victar, H C (2025) The feasibility of transparent solar panels for high-rise building façade in Sri Lanka. Construction Innovation, 25(4), pp. 1127-1152. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose: The use of renewable energy has become necessary because of the harmful effects of current energy sources on the environment, limited availability and financial crisis. Transparent solar panels have emerged as a promising technology for integrating renewable energy generation into building structures. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the feasibility of transparent solar panels for high-rise building façades in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach: The research apprehended a qualitative approach, including two expert interview rounds adhering to the Delphi technique with 17 and 15 experts each per round. Manual content analysis was incorporated to analyse the collected data. Findings: Regarding operation and maintenance, the study emphasizes the importance of regular inspection, cleaning and repair of transparent solar panels to ensure optimal performance and longevity. These activities contribute to maximizing energy generation and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the building. The benefits of implementing transparent solar panels on building façades are manifold. They include renewable energy generation, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved energy efficiency and enhanced architectural aesthetics. Furthermore, the research findings underscore the potential of transparent solar panels to contribute to Sri Lanka’s sustainable development goals and address the country’s increasing energy demand. However, the study also identifies challenges that need to be addressed for successful implementation. Originality/value: This study contributes to understanding the feasibility of transparent solar panels for high-rise building façades in Sri Lanka. The research findings offer valuable insights into the operation and maintenance aspects, benefits, challenges and strategies for implementing transparent solar panels effectively. This knowledge can guide policymakers, architects and developers in making informed decisions regarding the integration of transparent solar panels, thereby promoting sustainable and energy-efficient building practices in Sri Lanka.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | challenges; façade; high-rise building; maintenance; renewable energy; transparent solar |
| Index terms: | interview, operation and maintenance, content analysis, strategy, energy source, methodology, integration, greenhouse gas emission, Delphi technique, repair, high-rise building, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy demand, qualitative approach, aesthetic, inspection, architect, Sri Lanka, sustainable development goal, implementation, energy-efficient building, cleaning |
| Subjects: | contractual arrangements, construction type, quality assurance, research methods, maintenance engineering, factor and component analysis, Geography, sustainable design, sustainability and energy, data analysis and analytics, energy systems, data collection methods, profession, organizational analysis, environmental health, management |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Construction Technology, Quality Management, Geographical Context, Procurement, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here