BIPV applications, different types of building integrated PV

What are common BIPV applications?

The exciting thing about Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is that the choice of integrated solar applications is only limited by imagination. Besides imagination, in terms of the number of architects and project developers interested in this field, the cost of Integrated Photovoltaics is a major factor to turn concept applications into reality.

BIPV application - PV integrated in curved roof

What is possible with Integrated Photovoltaics?

Anything.. Well, nearly! When looking at the power produced by BIPV panels, the possibilities of direct current (DC) electricity and alternating current (AC) are known: solar cells produce DC power, which can directly be used to power (LED) lighting, water pumps, traffic signage and so on. When connected to an inverter, integrated photovoltaics can produce alternating current (AC), wich basically can power anything a household wants to connect, from tv's, microwaves to electrical cars.

What are common applications of BIPV?

The examples given here are all products made in China. China will play an important role in the manufacturing of BIPV solutions in the future. Common applications for BIPV nowadays include the following:

BIPV Curtain wall

A curtain wall made of BIPV panels is an exterior wall that provides no support to the actual building. See below two examples: Trina and Suntech power.

BIPV at Suntech Power

BIPV - Suntech HQ curtain wall

 BIPV - Suntech HQ curtain wall. Inside the headquarters in Wuxi, China

BIPV at headquarters Trina

BIPV Curtain Wall - Trina Headquarters

BIPV pitched roof systems

The pitched roof is a common usage, where the BIPV panels basically take on the function of the roof. There are various solutions for this. When installing integrated photovoltaics on an exisiting building, the entire roof needs to be replaced. When installed on a new structure, the BIPV panels will replace the traditional tiles, which will lead to less money spent on the 'traditional roof', which will make investing in the BIPV panels more attractive. A BIPV solution for a pitched roof using embedded frames:BIPV projects - Embedded frame

Some pictures to give you an idea.

BIPV Glazing

Glass BIPV panels can be applied basically anywhere  to windows or skylights providing a semi-transparent facade allowing a certain percentage of light to enter the building.

BIPV application - Glazing

Customization

Double glass BIPV panels can be customized. The custom options are so wide that you would almost wish these product would have been standardized already.

Size

The size of the glass can be varied. The largest size glass is limited by the old fashioned lamination machine. Therefore most BIPV manufacturers offers panels of approx. 2 to 3x4 meters max.

Thickness

The thickness of the glass can be varied. As the thickness and the strength go hand in hand, a proper calculation will give the answer which thickness to use.

Shape

The shape of the glass can be varied. See an example of the triangle BIPV panels that we produced. Any shape is possible.

Power

The Power of the BIPV panels can be varied. It depends on the technology used and the amount of cells per square meter. The starting point is always the electricty usage of the construction where the panels will be installed.

The percentage transparency

The percentage transparency can be varied, by increasing or decreasing the spacing between the solar cells. This depends per application.

Color

Finally the colour of the BIPV can be varied. There are several ways to do this. Most people would use colored solar cells, however also the EVA or PVB encapsulator is available in any color. Back to the different BIPV applications. Some people talk about the

Shadow-Voltaics

The term Shadow- Voltaics refers to a BIPV system that creates shadow and power at the same time.

BIPV Carpark or Carport

Solar carport - PV integrated in the roof

Solar Greenhouse

Depending on the type of plants grown in a greenhouse, a BIPV panels can be suitable. Several plants suffer from direct sunlight and therefore the installation of BIPV panels, with a certain percentage of transparency, can be useful. Solar powered greenhouse