Energy transitioning school buildings in Peninsula Malaysia: A case study on the potential of photovoltaic power

Abstract

This study builds on the ways design modifications can improve the integration of solar electric generation in Malaysian educational buildings. The study suggests the benefit of a solar installation at a standard school as both an educational and economic opportunity for a photovoltaic (PV) system can bring together classroom learning and energy supply. In analysing the existing design details of selected case study schools, this study aims to determine how the integration of this technology in the building design can be applied to the most basic education buildings in Malaysia. The existing design patterns of school classrooms with and without PV systems were logged and examined through a series of post-occupancy evaluation studies on selected schools. Basic energy requirements were summarized, and specific design modifications for the existing case study schools were proposed to adapt to the newer, modern classrooms. The results of this conceptual evaluation, coupled with energy simulations to model a reference case energy usage, provided the basis to predict PV outputs and future energy use for a modified classroom. Positive results from the solar analysis provided additional evidence about how alternative energy sources are beneficial in long term future-proofing schools.