What is Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) ?

Building-integrated photovoltaics are energy generating photovoltaic materials or components that are used to replace traditional building components or materials . 

The main applications of BIPV are flat roofs, pitched roofs, curtain walls and shading systems.

Photoelectric glass curtain wall products are made of double toughened glass sheet, good light transmission, can be widely used in building shading system, building curtain wall, photovoltaic roof, photovoltaic doors and Windows and other photovoltaic power generation. In addition, the polysilicon cell in the middle of the glass is also particularly important, it is arranged in the middle of the double layer glass, the degree of lighting of the glass is controlled by the arrangement gap of the silicon cell, and the silicon surface is made into a variety of colors such as blue, green, black, yellow, etc. This color silicon chip is mainly in order to be more conducive to the selection and use of color beauty on the building curtain wall.

The Form and Characteristics of BIPV

Photovoltaics can be integrated into buildings in two ways:

1. Photovoltaic system is integrated with the building

The packaged photovoltaic modules (flat or curved panels) are installed on the roof of the building, and then connected to the inverter, battery, controller, load and other devices. Photovoltaic systems can also be connected to the public grid through certain devices.

2. Photovoltaic devices are integrated into the building

It is the integration of photovoltaic devices and building materials to form BIPV system. General building outer protective surface using paint, decorative tiles or curtain wall glass, the purpose is to protect and decorate the building. If you replace part of the building materials with photovoltaic devices, that is, photovoltaic modules to make the roof, exterior walls and Windows of the building, which can be used as building materials as well as to generate electricity, it is the best thing.

The components of a building-integrated photovoltaic system include:

· Photovoltaic module

· Backup power supply system

· Charge controller

· Power storage system

· Support for wiring, hardware and safety disconnects

A PV module is created by a series of connected solar cells that provide standard output power. The PV module is encapsulated with tempered glass or other transparent material on the front surface, and with a protective and waterproof material on the back. The edges are sealed for weatherproofing, and there is a frame holding everything together in a mountable unit. In the back of the module, there is an electrical box, or wire leads, providing electrical connections. These panels are created to absorb sunlight as a source of energy to generate electricity. The electricity created from solar cells has become one of the most cost-efficient energy sources.  

Solar PV modules have aluminum frames that are attached directly to the silicon. Solar panel framing plays a fundamental role in increasing mechanical strengths as well as making the installation process easier. It is important to know the different types of framing options, there is the full-frame, partial frame, and bifacial frame.

There are different types of panel technologies, offering varying levels of efficiency and reliability. The three most prevalent module types are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. Each of these modules serves different purposes and needs, the graph below is a quick overview of each panel in comparison to one another.

Why You Should Consider Replacing Conventional Building Materials with BIPV Modules?

In the world of energy, especially the solar market, Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are rapidly becoming omnipresent and is widely used to replace conventional building materials in facade, roofs and skylights.The advantage of integrating BIPV into existing building materials is that

• Replacing conventional materials at lower costs. The initial operating cost can be positively affected by reducing the amount that is spent on conventional raw materials.
• Significant reduction in labour that would normally be used to construct parts of the building, which would eventually be replaced by the BIPV modules.
• Power generation and electricity bill payment reduction: BIPV system can be considered as ancillary or a primary electrical power source. Building-integrated photovoltaic components can generate power efficiently and effectively for a building. There are different technologies and projects that work in conjunction with these to ensure a rich energy harvest.
• When used for facade, they can protect components from unwanted solar heat and provide necessary functions such as thermal insulation, acoustic insulation or water proofing.
• Reduced building energy consumption: BIPV modules also help in Green Building and reduce the solar heat gain on the building and hence reduce the temperature of the building which results in lower consumption of air conditioners.

The solar BIPV modules are popular among architects, building consultants and planners to build more sustainable and eco-friendly buildings without compromising on architectural designs. BIPV has become one of the fastest growing segments of the photovoltaic industry. Among the several types of BIPV solar modules, the Double glass PV module series is the most widely used. It is available in different colours, dimensions, and shapes and is perfect for housing and commercial buildings as it provides the right amount of opaqueness.

With the world moving towards greater environmental sustainability and eco-friendly products, it is necessary to re-evaluate our energy producing sources and the best way forward is the solar way. Photovoltaic skylights are a great solution for both new construction and renovation projects. A PV skylight generates clean and free energy at the same time that it provides bioclimatic properties of thermal comfort. It has an optimized solar filter, which absorbs almost all of the ultraviolet and infrared rays that are harmful to the occupants of the building. The air chamber of the insulating glass guarantees a better thermal performance inside the building.The advantages mentioned above help to reduce considerably the CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint of buildings. In addition, they offer an average payback time of 2 years, and decrease the energy consumption of the building by 40%.

 
We are ONE-STOP-SHOP for a variety of applications for Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems on your building or home. We have completed many projects in New Zealand, Australia, Europe, South America and Southeast Asia. Please feel free to contact us by phone or email if you need a recommendation.

Part of our BIPV standard modules on offer: