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.

Other topics: Modules > Roof tiles > Transparent solar cells and modules > Shading > Largest BIPV systems


Solar glazings and laminates


From module to BIPV system

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.



Transparent glass/glass laminate

Transparent isolating glass/glass laminate

Glass/glass and isolation glass/glass laminates with solar cells

The largest transparent module, courtesy ertex-solar GmbH.

Large transparent module - glass/glass laminate
(courtesy Ertex Solar GmbH).


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.

Upon customer request almost all module (mechanical and electrical) parameters can be customized. Customization include module shapes, cell type and colour, cell transparency, laminate construction, laminate/module size, heat/noise isolation properties, module voltage and peak power etc. Limitation during production represents usually only laminator - largest laminators allow production of laminates up to 5 square meters of area in one piece.

Facade integrated modules

Most common realized as "curtain wall", or facade mounted modules. "Cold" and "warm" photovoltaic facades possible. In BIPV facades different types of modules can be used: classic modules, transparent or semitransparent modules (crystalline or microperforated amorphous modules). "Shadow-Voltaic" system is also very often part of a BIPV facade. Modules can be fixed or mounted on tracking structures - manual tracking-combined with shadowing system, or automatic tracking systems possible.



Thin film BIPV modules, source Thyssen Solartec

Thin film BIPV modules, source Thyssen Solartec

Thin film solar modules as facade or roof cover
(source/copyright Thyssen Solartec).

Solar fabrik, Freiburg, transparent modules and shadowing modules as part of a facade, source Solar fabrik GmbH.

Solar fabrik, Freiburg facade with transparent modules and shadowing modules
(source/copyright Solar fabrik GmbH)

Transparent PV glazings

Glaswerke Arnold GmbH&Co.KG - VOLTARLUX® products are based on ASI thin-film photovoltaic modules supplied by SCHOTT Solar GmbH.

Languages: de gb es Webmaster's choice
Webmaster's choice - one of the best web sites related to BIPV applications.

ertex solar GmbH - the goal of ertex solar is fabrication of high quality solar modules, to extend the opportunities for utilizing photovoltaics in architectural design as well as building integration.

Languages: de gb Webmaster's choice
Webmaster's choice - very good descriptions of transparent PV laminates, including isolation glass, low noise glass etc.

Scheuten Solar - Scheuten Solar is a leading producer of high quality standard glass-tedlar PV modules (Multisol®) and custom made glass-glass PV modules (Optisol®).

Languages: gb

Schott - glass laminates and double glazed units incorporating ASI® Glass solar panels.

Languages: gb

Saint-Gobain Glass - Saint-Gobain Glass Exprover web site.

Languages: gb


Roof integrated modules

As roof-integrated modules usually laminates without frame are used. Special types are solar roof tiles or shingles. For details please visit solar roof-tiles section. As roof integrated modules other module types can also be used for example: flexible modules, transparent or semitransparent modules, thin film modules etc.

Problems related to BIPV systems

Exact shadowing analysis should be made before the system is constructed, high temperature conditions should be avoided by crystalline modules (decreased efficiency).


Further information

Very good survey - with many nice photos - about BIPV systems you may find in information leaflet written by Hespul, APERe, ZREU, CLER experts:

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: gb fr Webmaster's choice
Webmaster's choice - very good survey about BIPV systems and solutions.


Photovoltaic system on the roof - "Les Corsaires" 7.7 kW in Switzerland (Source: Schweizerischer Vereinigung für Sonnenenergie - SSES)


BIPV system Les Corsaires, Switzerland, 7.7 kWp


Roof-integrated transparent PV system in Switzerland


Roof- (48 kW) and facade-integrated (17 kW) photovoltaic system in Switzerland (Source: Schweizerischer Vereinigung für Sonnenenergie - SSES)

Roof integrated photovoltaic system with transparent solar modules in Switzerland - (Source: Schweizerischer Vereinigung für Sonnenenergie - SSES)


BIPV system, 65 kWp in Switzerland


Transparent movable PV system on the facade in Weiz, Austria


Transparent photovoltaic system in Weiz, Austria (Photo: Denis Lenardic)

Architects and BIPV projects


Architekturbüro Hagemann - since 1991, Architects and Consultants working in the field of BIPV.

Languages: de gb

Bear Architecten


BEAR Architecten - Group of Architects with many BIPV and sustainable buildings projects realized worldwide.

Languages: gb nl Webmaster's choice
Webmaster's choice - descriptions of many successful designed BIPV systems and sustainable building available as HTML or pdf files. Interesting picture archive also available on-line.


Kiss + Cathcart Architects - Since 1983, US architects Kiss + Cathcart has been designed successfully operating BIPV systems.

Languages: gb Webmaster's choice
Webmaster's choice - descriptions of many successful designed BIPV systems and design guides available as pdf files.


RELAB LLC - RELAB, renewable energy laboratory, specializes in Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and Building Integrated Wind projects in urban settings.

Languages: gb


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: gb


Solarcentury - UK Company specialized for designing and building of BIPV systems.

Languages: gb Webmaster's choice
Webmaster's choice - nice web design and many interesting photos of BIPV systems.

Available BIPV products and solutions


Colt International Ltd - commercial website with comprehensive solar shading systems description. Case studies and reference projects described in detail.

Languages: gb Webmaster's choice
Webmaster's choice - one of the best web sites related to shadow-voltaic systems.


MSK Corp. - MSK is Japan's largest specialist PV company with a team of experienced engineers and world-class production facilities.

Languages: de es gb fr it chn jp kor


Powerquant - Powerquant Photovoltaik GmbH produziert Photovoltaik-Module aus hochwertigen Silizium-Solarzellen mit attraktivem Design für die Gebäude-Integration.

Languages: de


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: gb cz


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: de gb

Sunovation


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: de gb fr

Sunways Photovoltaic Technologies


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: de gb


Thyssen-solartec - Excellent commercial website with many useful information available. An interesting photo archive also included.

Languages: de gb fr nl it Webmaster's choice
Webmaster's choice - descriptions of many successful designed BIPV systems and interesting photo archive.


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: gb

General BIPV related web sites


Solarintegration - bietet umfassende Informationen zum Gestalten und Bauen mit Solarzellen für Architekten, Ingenieure und Bauherren.

Languages: de Webmaster's choice
Webmaster's choice - the most comprehensive BIPV related web site. Excellent site!

IEA-PVPS


BIPV Database - IEA PVPS Task7 - BIPV Database.

Languages: gb Webmaster's choice
Webmaster's choice - many interesting BIPV application examples.


Demosite - IEA PVPS Task7 - Exhibition centre for PV Integration.

Languages: gb Webmaster's choice
Webmaster's choice - many interesting BIPV application examples.


Maine Solar House - Take a tour trough the Maine Solar House - design, solar energy use etc.

Languages: gb Webmaster's choice
Webmaster's choice - interesting tour trough the one of the most known solar houses worldwide.


Solarsiedlung - Municipal Housing in Freiburg, Germany.

Languages: de Webmaster's choice
Webmaster's choice - interesting houses, roofs completely covered with PV modules. Nice photo archive.


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: de Webmaster's choice
Webmaster's choice - almost 800 roofs available for PV installations in June 2006. New roofs added continuously.

Other web sites


TheSolarPlan.com - Improving the world through passive solar homes, plans, and solar concepts.

Languages: gb

Literature and more information

book Webmaster's choice Prasad, D., Snow, M.: Designing with Solar Power; a source book for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV); The Images Publishing Group Pty.Ltd. and Earthscan, London 2005.
book Webmaster's choice Hagemann, I.: Gebäudeintegrierte Photovoltaik. Architektonische Integration der Photovoltaik in die Gebäudehülle; Rudolf Müller Publisher. Köln, ISBN 2002, ISBN 3-481-01776-6.
pdf Webmaster's choice Eiffert, P., Kiss, G.J.: Building-Integrated Photovoltaic; Designs for Commercial and Institutional Structures - A Sourcebook for Architects (9766 kB).
pdf Webmaster's choice Kiss, G.J., Kinkead, J.: Optimal Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Applications - Kiss + Company Architects, 1996 (391 kB).
pdf Webmaster's choice Fordham, M. & Partners in Association with Feilden Clegg Architects: Photovoltaics in Buildings - A Design Guide (1412 kB).
pdf Webmaster's choice Building Integrated Photovoltaic Power Systems Guidelines for Economic Evaluation; Report T7-05 IEA PVPS Task 7, 2002 (367 kB).
pdf Webmaster's choice Gutscher, M.: Potential for building integrated photovoltaics; Report T7-04 IEA PVPS Task 7, July 2002 (984 kB).
pdf Schoen, T.J.: Building-Integrated PV installations in The Netherlands: examples and operational experiences; IEA PVPS Task 7, Photovoltaic Power Systems in the Build Environment (678 kB).
www WiscoSun; Solar Use Network; Different documents and Case Studies on BIPV and other PV systems.
www Posbic, J.P., Economic Optimization of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems; SOLAREX A Business Unit of BP Amoco/Enron Solar, 2001.
www German portal for energy efficient buildings and civil engineering - Bauen.com (German language only).

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