Thermal Comparison of Reflective and Non-Reflective Roofs with Thin-Film Solar Panels

The present paper illustrates an experimental and comparative thermal analysis of reflective (white) and non-reflective (black) roofing membranes paired with thin-film solar photovoltaic panels. Tests were carried out on two different membranes, thermoplastic olefin (TPO), and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). Solar irradiance along with temperature readings on the surface, between the panel and membrane, and below the membrane were recorded for 16 months at 15 minute intervals. The data was processed and the temperature effect was observed. The interface temperatures for TPO/PV and EPDM/PV assemblies were found to be different, which could affect the performance of solar panels at various levels depending on the material type used in fabricating the photovoltaic panels.