18 Jun
Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) as a viable option among renewables
In the face of the urgent need to renovate and decarbonise the existing building stock, special focus is on building skins, such as roofs and facades, to make them more efficient through innovative solutions and materials, but also to generate energy. This is essential to achieve the EU 2030 energy targets, only 11 years away.
The concept of Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) refers to the integration of technology, -- refers to the capacity of the photovoltaic (PV) system to be multifunctional -- aesthetics -- refers to the architectural appearance of the system -- , and energy integration, meaning the capability of a PV system to interact with the building and district energy system to maximize the local use of electricity generated.
The BIPV systems can be divided in three main categories:
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PV modules, with specific characteristics developed for building integration, with appealing features (such as colour, texture, shape, surface finishing, and light materials) conceived for integration in existing buildings.
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Mounting systems, to mount the PV modules on the building envelope, such as on facades, roof, and external devices.
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Energy systems, which link the PV modules to the building and district energy system to maximize the local use of the electricity generated, including storage, power conversion, power control, heating and cooling and e-mobility systems.