ENABLERS AND BARRIERS FOR SOLAR NET ZERO ENERGY BUILDINGS

Abstract

Solar Net Zero Energy Building is one of the best sustainable building design concepts however, developing countries are still not adequately involved with Solar NZEB designs due to some barriers arise when implementing. Hence, the aim of this research was to analyse the enablers and barriers to Solar NZEB concept in order to give recommendations to overcome key barriers. Energy demand reduction, energy cost savings and environmental benefits enabler the Solar NZEB concept. Nevertheless, less consideration in design stage, high initial cost, long payback and lack of government policy are barriers of Solar NZEB. Among the suggested recommendations; development of a standardized framework, encourage research and development, promote foreign investments, make use of BIM and regulate the Solar NZEB process with appropriate certification mechanism were highlighted to mitigate the most significant key barriers. Eventually, a framework was developed for Solar NZEBs to guide the implementation of such projects.