Ahankoob, A.; Abbasnejad, B.; Nazareth, I.; Macasaet, P. and Wong, P. S. (2026) Optimising virtual site assessment process for mounted PV array design: An immersive BIM-based approach for existing buildings. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, pp. 1-26. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose – The assessment and performance evaluation of photovoltaic (PV) systems depend heavily on the site characteristics of existing buildings. However, when physical site inspections are impractical or impossible due to restricted access, this creates a significant barrier to the assessment of PV layout design. This research uses an instrumental case-study methodology to optimise PV array design in existing buildings by integrating Building Information Modelling (BIM) with immersive technologies. Design/methodology/approach – A two-stage optimisation approach was developed to address challenges associated with physical site assessments and fixed building locations. By utilising optimisation algorithms, the grasshopper optimisation algorithm, and Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) for immersive visualisation, this method facilitates detailed shadow analysis and optimal placement of fixed-mounted PV panels. The methodology was validated through a case study involving the modelling of an office building in Melbourne, Australia, using Revit. A rigorous comparative analysis of the developed workflow and the Solar Engineer tool was conducted on the same building to assess the efficiency and accuracy of the workflow. Findings – Results demonstrated that integrating BIM with immersive technologies substantially enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of PV installation assessments. The analysis identified a roof utilisation factor (Roof UF) of 39.62% for PV panels, enabling the installation of 90 solar panels with an annual energy yield of 152, 091.64 kWh. Originality/value – The optimisation workflow introduced in the paper highlights its potential to reduce the reliance on physical site visits while improving design precision and maximising energy output. These findings provide valuable insights for solar engineers and building professionals, contributing to the advancement of efficient and sustainable urban energy solutions.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | BIM; immersive technology; optimisation; renewable energy; solar panel |
| Index terms: | workflow, renewable energy, methodology, immersive technology, optimization algorithm, efficiency, building professional, case study, visualization, engineer, comparative analysis, inspection, building information modelling, photovoltaic, modelling, performance evaluation, Australia, placement, office building, accuracy, roof |
| Subjects: | information systems, management, research methods, profession, performance measurement, energy systems, analytical methods, data analysis and analytics, professional development, construction type, Geography, data collection methods, performance management, quality assurance, virtual reality, design practice, algorithms |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Digital Applications, Human Resources, Geographical Context, Roles and Professions, Sustainability, Design Practice, Construction Technology, Engineering Principles, Information Management, Quality Management, Research Practice |
| 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