Image of My Model
Original Building Form
Suggested Building Form
Top Height: 600'
Mid Height: 250'
Image of Your Results
In the end, the best alternative contained a top height of 600 feet and a mid-height of 250 feet. A close second was a top height of 700 feet and a mid-height of 250 feet, followed in third by a top height of 700 feet and a mid-height of 300 feet. These are the best options because the amount of solar insolation achievable is the best in relation to construction cost. In addition, the top recommendation has a lower construction cost than the majority of the options (3rd lowest) while obtaining solar potential in the middle of the pack.
Description
Chosen Metrics:
- Solar potential on all surfaces
- Cost
Overall Goal:
In this project, the goal is to incorporate solar panels onto the building to increase clean energy usage and to diminish the need to consume offsite energy. In addition, cost is considered as there are budgeting constraints, and if there are minimal solar differences with large cost discrepancies, those alternatives should be weeded out.
Ranking Rationale:
The optimal alternatives should provide ample solar potential with a cost relative to that solar potential (best ratios between cost and solar potential). In order to weigh which options are best, a ratio was calculated in Excel to compare the amount of solar potential to the cost, with the highest ratios (solar:cost) providing the best alternatives. As the project moves along and other budgeting decisions are clarified, a more distinct decision can be made.