What is the relevance of building-integrated photovoltaics in the current solar market?

adminSeptember 25, 2016November 30, 2016 Big Faq, Uncategorized 12 Comments

Building-integrated photovoltaics or BIPVs have emerged over the years as a solution to make buildings energy efficient. BIPVs replace traditional roofing materials used on buildings. This thin-film PV technology relies on novel manufacturing methods. To make the materials, the active material that converts sun rays to power is deposited in a thin, naturally translucent layer on a conductive glass substrate. This layer is then covered by another layer of glass.

These translucent sheets of photovoltaic material operate even under only 10 percent of sunlight, allowing the sheets to harvest the sun’s powers over longer periods of time compared to traditional cells. The sheets also help in maintaining interior temperatures of buildings, another energy-saving feature

In fact, BIPV solutions are available not just for roofing applications but also for walling and glass applications.

Of course, going for this type of a differentiated solution can be an expensive affair. But there’s a silver lining. Many of the BIPV manufacturers claim that the additional costs are offset by the solar power produced. In case you hadn’t noticed, this solution means that you currently have a new roof or building envelope that not only protects you but also creates free electricity.

Few applications of BIPV

Façade:

Here PV is integrated to the sides of buildings, replacing traditional glass windows with semi-transparent thin-film or crystalline solar panels. These have less surface area than rooftop systems but they provide the advantage of increased available area. Let’s look at an interesting BIPV project below. The wide building area available has been wisely used to produce solar energy.

Rooftop:

In such an application, PV material replaces the roofing material, sometimes; the roof itself. Some companies offer an integrated, single-piece solar rooftop and there are others that offer solar shingles than can be used in place of roof shingles.An example of BIPV roofing is given below

Glazing:

Ultra-thin solar cells may be used to create semi-transparent surfaces, which allow daylight to penetrate while simultaneously generating electricity. These are often used to create PV skylights or greenhouses. Given below is glazing based PV technology used to get a skylight:

BIPVs are really popular with many European and American commercial buildings. In fact, many governments have even subsided use of BIPVs.

It goes without saying that there are significant challenges to be overcome before BIPVs penetrate the mass market. Some of them include the cost barrier and the slowness of the construction industry to facilitate a move to BIPVs.
Nevertheless, BIPVs can be an interesting proposition for many commercial, educational and other establishments that seek clean, green and aesthetically pleasing solar solutions.

It can be a great way to promote energy efficiency and make a green statement!

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