Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

Building Integrated Photovoltaics are where solar cells have been incorporated into part of the building envelope instead of conventional building materials. BIPV can be placed into facades to act as windows (glazing) walls or shading, cladding and into roof structure as solar tiles and solar slates.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BIPV?

Cost Effective: The cost of some prestigious conventional cladding material actually exceeds the cost of cladding with PV.

Improved Energy Efficiency: Most BIPV types are installed on commercial buildings that are usually occupied in daylight hours, hence when the PV is producing electricity.

Generate Secondary Income: By generating electricity it means that your reliance on grid power is reduced, therefore potentially generating tax free savings. Green tariffs are also becoming more widely available and are improving- meaning that potentially more revenue can be generated on feed in tariff plans.

Allows Creativity and Attractive New Designs: Different types of BIPV can be incorporated onto buildings to create unique and interesting designs.

Marketing Advantages: As climate change lurks around the corner an increasing number of people are looking to use companies and buildings that are environmentally responsible, meaning that these people are more likely to go for the greener option.

TYPES OF BIPV

BIPV Glazing and Laminates

PV cells have been developed that are incorporated into glass. These modules are available in a range of colours and transparencies so different effects can be created. This type of glazing can be used on walls of buildings and on roofs to act as skylights.

This type of BIPV can be expensive (approximately 3-5 times as much as glass), however the PV should provide a large proportion of the buildings electricity requirements, reducing dependence on the energy market and generating revenue.
These cells can also be used to provide shading. This is one of the most common BIPV add-ons available for existing buildings.

BIPV Cladding

BIPV can be used as a form of cladding.

Conventional cladding material provides a protective layer for the main building envelope.

Photovoltaic cladding in some cases can cost less than conventional methods.

The BIPV cladding can be built up using panels or tiles, and is attached using brackets.

BIPV Solar Tiles

Solar Tiles can be incorporated into existing roofs during re-roofing or on new roofs.

The cost of these tiles is higher than solar panels, but some of the cost is displaced as less tiles are needed.

This technology is good for use in areas with restricted planning permission as they blend in with the building and are less visible than roof mounted systems.

Some criticise that tiles do not work as efficiently as they should. Solar cells work more effectively at lower temperatures. In-roof solar systems have specifically designed ventilation to reduce overheating, keeping temperatures relatively cool, but still not as cool as roof mounted systems that have 50mm of draft space available beneath them.

HELP WITH YOUR BIPV PROJECT

Architects, engineers, project managers, home owners or developers wanting to create unique BIPV designs or incorporate PV into their projects can get design advice, guidance and installation quotes from EvoEnergy.

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BIPV PDF

BIPV: Solar Shading

Aesthetics: The building will seen to be green and some find PV aesthetically pleasing. PV cells are now available in a range of different colours.

Save Time & Money: As the majority of these systems are designed alongside the building envelope it means money and time are saved in the design process that would be spent later on incorporated this technology into an already built structure.

Increased Advantage in Planning Applications: Where renewables are compulsory these BIPV systems can be used to support planning applications.