Abstract
The placement of photovoltaic panels on roof may affect the aesthetic quality of the building. The study sought to establish any correlation between energy generation potentials of PV panels on roof and aesthetic quality of a building. The experimental research design is a study by simulation of a hostel building elevation in Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola. Twelve simulated elevations with different arrangement and area coverage of roof solar photovoltaic panels were produced, and ranked in order of aesthetic appeals by 140 respondents in four groups. Frequencies and Spearman’s Rank Order correlation coefficient were employed to analyze data. Results indicated that the aesthetic appeals of the elevations varied, but not consistently with coverage area of PV panels on roof: the elevation with PV of 21% roof coverage (7th in coverage area) was rated most aesthetically appealing; that with PV of 6% roof coverage (the lowest) rated least appealing. Aesthetic effect was not appreciably correlated with PV panels’ coverage on roof. It was concluded by recommending that PV panels be arranged on roof, guided by the aesthetic principles of composition, in order to optimize (and not maximize) energy generation.
Key Words: Aesthetic effect, Photovoltaic panels, Building roof, Energy generation, Correlation
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