Exploratory study on adaptability of wall-mounted solar panels for high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The global energy crisis and the unsustainable resource consumption patterns of the construction industry has driven a growing interest in sustainable practices. The integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, has emerged as a key strategy to achieve sustainability goals. While various applications of solar systems exist, wall-mounted solar panels have not been widely utilised in Sri Lanka, and no prior research has been conducted on this topic in the country. This study acts as an exploratory study which aims to investigate the feasibility and adaptability of implementing wall-mounted solar panels in high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka. Data was gathered through a comprehensive literature review and semi-structured interviews with experts on solar energy and construction practices. The study found several barriers towards the implementation of wall-mounted solar panels in Sri Lanka. Notably, the effectiveness of the wall-mounted solar panel system was found to be hindered by the path of the sun in Sri Lanka. The absence of proper regulations or Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) specific to wall-mounted solar panels presented an additional challenge. Despite the barriers identified, expert interviews revealed potential strategies to overcome these challenges. The findings of this research study contribute to the understanding of the feasibility of implementing wall-mounted solar panels in high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka, shedding light on the unique context and factors influencing their adoption. This study underscores the importance of considering local factors and developing appropriate regulations to promote sustainable energy practices in the construction industry.