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©Denis Lenardic
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Thursday
11th Mar, 2010
21:28
This page was last time updated on
26th Nov, 2009
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Building integrated photovoltaics - BIPV
"Solar architecture is not about fashion - it is about survival."
(Sir Norman Foster)
BIPV systems
(courtesy: IEA
PVPS Task 2)
Acronym of BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) refers to
photovoltaic systems integrated with an object's building phase.
It means that they are built/constructed along with an object.
They are also planned together with the object. Yet, they could
be built later on. Due to specific task cooperation of many different experts, such as
architects, civil engineers and PV system designers, is necessary.
According to how and where such systems are
built, whether into the facade or in the roof, the following BIPV
systems are recognized:
Facade or roof systems added after the building was built
Facade integrated photovoltaic systems built along with an object
Roof-integrated photovoltaic systems built along with an object
"Shadow-Voltaic" - PV systems also used as shadowing systems, built along with an object or added later
In the case of facade or roof systems the photovoltaic system is
added to the building after it was built. These low powered systems
of up to some 10 kW are usually integrated into the south facade.
Facade integrated photovoltaic systems could consist of different
transparent module types, such as crystalline and micro-perforated
amorphous transparent modules. In such case a part of natural light
is transferred into the building through the modules. Solar cells are
available in different colours; therefore, there is no limitation for
imagination of the architect or the designer. We can say that such
constructed buildings give the term architecture a completely new
meaning. Roof-integrated photovoltaic systems are integrated into the
roof; the roof is covered with transparent photovoltaic modules, or
they are added to the roof later. Such systems are added to a flat
roof, or on a tilted roof usually only if the building is small. It
is possible to use tiles, which integrate solar cells. Photovoltaic
systems could be used for shadowing, where photovoltaic modules serve
as Venetian blinders. In some of such cases photovoltaic modules tilt
angle could be adjusted manually or automatically allowing for
shadowing the building and/or photovoltaic module efficiency
optimization. Such systems are also known as "Shadow-Voltaic"
systems. The best results and efficiency can be reached with systems,
which are tightly integrated into the passive solar buildings;
however, the use of active solar systems is an additional
possibility. This is where the modules are partially transmitting
allowing natural light to penetrate the building. Undoubtedly, such
systems challenge even the best of architects. High level of
expertise is required for successful BIPV systems planning, not only
in regard to architecture, but also to civil and photovoltaic
engineering. The projects realised in the past show that successful
BIPV systems designing is based heavily on technical experience and
knowledge. Poorly designed systems usually have to be redesigned or
repaired later, consequently swelling maintenance costs and lowering
system efficiency rate. List of largest BIPV systems worldwide you may find here.
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Solar glazings and laminates |
From module to BIPV system |
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In photovoltaic applications (also in BIPV systems) low iron tempered glass is usually used. Glazing can be made as simple glass/glass laminate or as complex isolation glass/glass laminate. Special laminates with coloured back sides have also been produced. Due to safety requirements for lamination usually PVB foil instead of EVA foil is used -> especially for laminates used in transparent roofs. PVB have been used for decades in automotive industry - laminated safety windscreen glass. Laminate can consist of monocrytalline cells, thin film cells or from transparent cells. For details please see transparent solar cells and modules section or module section.
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In BIPV applications different types of modules (depends on application)
can be used: classic (framed) modules, flexible crystalline or thin-film on metal substrate,
roof-tiles with solar cells, transparent monocrystalline modules, modules with
coloured solar cells, semitransparent micro perforated amorphous etc.
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Roof integrated modules Building integrated photovoltaic - Information leaflet written by Hespul, APERe, ZREU, CLER experts gives very good overview about BIPV systems and solutions. Leaflet can be downloaded as pdf file for free (6,9Mb) Languages:
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Photovoltaic system on the roof - "Les Corsaires" 7.7 kW in Switzerland (Source: Schweizerischer Vereinigung für Sonnenenergie - SSES) |
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Roof- (48 kW) and facade-integrated (17 kW) photovoltaic system in Switzerland (Source: Schweizerischer Vereinigung für Sonnenenergie - SSES) |
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Roof integrated photovoltaic system with transparent solar modules in Switzerland - (Source: Schweizerischer Vereinigung für Sonnenenergie - SSES) |
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Transparent photovoltaic system in Weiz, Austria (Photo: Denis Lenardic) |
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Architects and BIPV projects |
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Architekturbüro Hagemann - since 1991, Architects and Consultants working in the field of BIPV. Languages:
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BEAR Architecten - Group of Architects with many BIPV and sustainable buildings projects realized worldwide. Languages:
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Kiss + Cathcart Architects - Since 1983, US architects Kiss + Cathcart has been designed successfully operating BIPV systems. Languages:
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RELAB LLC - RELAB, renewable energy laboratory, specializes in Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and Building Integrated Wind projects in urban settings. Languages:
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Solar Design Associates - Solar Design Associates (SDA) is North America's oldest, largest, and most respected building design firm dedicated to the artistic integration of solar energy in homes and buildings. Languages:
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Solarcentury - UK Company specialized for designing and building of BIPV systems. Languages:
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Available BIPV products and solutions |
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Colt International Ltd - commercial website with comprehensive solar shading systems description. Case studies and reference projects described in detail. Languages:
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LOF SOLAR Corp. - LOF SOLAR Corp. produces coloured solar cells in variety of shapes and colours. Languages:
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MSK Corp. - MSK is Japan's largest specialist PV company with a team of experienced engineers and world-class production facilities. Languages:
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Powerquant - Powerquant Photovoltaik GmbH produziert Photovoltaik-Module aus hochwertigen Silizium-Solarzellen mit attraktivem Design für die Gebäude-Integration. Languages:
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SolarFrameWorks - specializing in proprietary innovative solar power solutions that are light weight, have no roof penetrations, and have high wind resistance. Languages:
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Solartec - SOLARTEC is concentrated on production of high quality and customized photovoltaic solar cells, sales of PV system facilities and PV projects. It offers crystalline solar cells in variety of colours suitable for wide range of BIPV applications. Languages:
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Solon AG - The goal of SOLON AG is the industrial production of products designed for the ecologically friendly use of energy from the sun. Languages:
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Sunovation - SUNOVATION is devoted to developing solutions for problems that arise when using regenerative energies. Especially interesting Sunovation's products are flexible photovoltaic modules for transparent BIPV applications. Languages:
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Sunways - Sunways AG was incorporated in 1993 in Constance. The core competence of the high-tech company is the development and production of silicon-based high-performance solar cells. Languages:
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Hoesch Contecna Systembau GmbH - commercial website with many useful information available. An interesting photo archive also included. Languages:
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Uni-Solar - Uni-Solar offers wide range of photovoltaic products and solutions. BIPV related photovoltaic modules based on a-Si are also part of their product range. Languages:
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General BIPV related web sites |
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Solarintegration - bietet umfassende Informationen zum Gestalten und Bauen mit Solarzellen für Architekten, Ingenieure und Bauherren. Languages:
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BIPV Database - IEA PVPS Task7 - BIPV Database. Languages:
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Demosite - IEA PVPS Task7 - Exhibition centre for PV Integration. Languages:
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Maine Solar House - Take a tour trough the Maine Solar House - design, solar energy use etc. Languages:
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Solarsiedlung - Municipal Housing in Freiburg, Germany. Languages:
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Alpensolar Dachbörse - if you are looking for roofs available for PV installations in Germany than this website will help you to find the suitable roof(s). Languages:
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Other web sites |
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TheSolarPlan.com - Improving the world through passive solar homes, plans, and solar concepts. Languages:
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Literature and more information |
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