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Fixed shading systems are saving energy by reducing the cooling loads of the space they shade, but can be a source of energy losses due to the increased need of daylight that they create. Aim of this paper is the comparative assessment of different typologies of buildings' shading systems with integrated photovoltaics. The assessment is focused on their energy efficiency and degree of internal visual comfort conditions that they can ensure. The purpose of the comparison is to optimize the combination of shading systems and their integrated solar cells. Especially for office units, due to the specific demands for visual comfort and the increased needs for quality lighting, balancing the above mentioned facts is more crucial.
Shading systems are grouped and studied according to their energy savings (production and reduction of cooling loads) and to the quality of the visual interior environment. For the study computer simulations are used for the energy loads (needs/production) and both computer simulation and experimental physical models are used for the daylighting assessment. Moreover, through this research, the effect of specific geometrical characteristic of the photovoltaic modules installed is analyzed in relation to the energy produced and to the resulting visual conditions.