Solar Energy Technologies in Cultural Heritage

Book excerpt: Solar Energy Technologies in Cultural Heritage offers a comprehensive overview of the solar renewable energy possibilities, developments, innovations, and challenges for cultural heritage applications. This book bridges the traditional boundary between research, professional practices, and policies, as well as between arts, architecture, engineering, and social science. Conservation of heritage buildings, especially in urban settings, has evolved from purely physical preservation to functional redevelopment and repurposing. This opens new opportunities for active solar energy systems in buildings, towns, and landscapes. This book presents international contributions on the integration of solar renewable energies within cultural heritage, providing detailed coverage of cultural, legislative, and social frameworks, design criteria, simulation tools, innovative materials, and technologies. This book is an essential resource for anyone interested in solar energy technologies for the built environment, including researchers, scientists, graduate students, engineers, designers, developers, and policymakers. - Presents current knowledge and innovative technologies for the integration of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems in cultural heritage - Illustrates approaches and solutions for solving the complex cost–benefit balance between conservation and energy production - Includes contributions from major experts and scientists in the field, supported by real experience and practical examples