Optimizing urban block morphologies for net-zero energy cities: Exploring photovoltaic potential and urban design prototype

The morphology of urban areas plays a crucial role in determining solar potential, which directly affects photovoltaic capacity and the achievement of net-zero outcomes. This study focuses on the City of Melbourne to investigate the utilization of solar energy across different urban densities and proposes optimized morphologies. The analysis encompasses blocks with diverse population densities, examining medium and high-density areas. By utilizing a multi-objective genetic optimization approach, the urban morphology of these blocks is refined. The findings indicate that low-density blocks exhibit photovoltaic potential ranging from 1 to 6.6 times their total energy consumption. Medium and high-density blocks achieve photovoltaic potential levels approximately equivalent to 40%–85% of their overall energy consumption. Moreover, significant variations in photovoltaic potential are observed among different urban forms within medium and high-density blocks. An “elevated corners with central valley” prototype is proposed as an effective approach, enhancing the overall photovoltaic potential by approximately 14%. This study introduces novel analytical concepts, shedding light on the intricate relationship between urban morphologies and photovoltaic potential.