12
C. Ballif
1.7 Building Integrated Photovoltaics
PV is increasingly deployed in niche markets, some of which have the potential for
massive increase—because of the large areas available. These niche markets include
mobility and space applications, the growing areas of floating PV, of “Agrivoltaics”
(a combination of Agriculture and Photovoltaics), of PV incorporated in greenhouses, of in PV carports with their shading functions, of sound barriers along
highways. These applications are reported in Chap. 11.
In the general context of the so-called “energy transition,”, i.e. the transition from
an energy supply based on fossil fuels and on nuclear reactors to an energy supply
based on renewable energy sources (wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, etc.), the topic
of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is gaining interest [15]. In BIPV, the PV
panel substitutes building components, such as roof tiles, or façade elements.
BIPV has now the potential to extend its market share for the following reasons
[15]:
First, the base cost of PV panels per m
2 is now below the cost of many standard
façade or high-quality roofing materials. It can, hence, save the costs of traditional
building materials, both in new buildings and in renovation projects
Second, more and more countries are in the process of passing legislation, which
prescribes that a significant fraction of the energy consumed by buildings has to be
produced on-site. This should create a larger market, especially for PV façades.
Finally, with more automation in manufacturing, the fabrication of BIPV elements
should become possible at a lower cost, making a more favourable economic case
for BIPV.
Third, the last years have seen the emergence of transformative techniques, which
allow a complete change of the visual appearance of PV modules: This opens new
opportunities for architects and for aesthetic sensitive home owners. Figure 1.8a,
b illustrate the case of crystalline silicon modules, which have been modified to
appear white or terra-cotta coloured using special filters. There are indeed almost no
technical restrictions any more to what can be done visually with PV panels: thus, a
long-time hurdle for many designers and architects is being removed [15].
Finally, with more automation in manufacturing, the fabrication of BIPV elements
will also be possible at a lower cost, making the case more economically favourable
(Fig. 1.8).
Noticeably though, bringing a full integration of PV in buildings requires coordinating the work of the many entities involved in the building process: property
owners, financers, architects, builders, tenants, etc. This task is sometimes more difficult than the solving of pure technological problems. Still, by creating awareness, by
communicating through demonstration projects, and by stimulating demands through
incentives or regulations, they are good prospects for the growth of this sector. It will
come as a complement to the more traditional building-added PV (BAPV), where
PV elements are added onto existing roof or façade infrastructures.
C. Ballif
1.7 Building Integrated Photovoltaics
PV is increasingly deployed in niche markets, some of which have the potential for
massive increase—because of the large areas available. These niche markets include
mobility and space applications, the growing areas of floating PV, of “Agrivoltaics”
(a combination of Agriculture and Photovoltaics), of PV incorporated in greenhouses, of in PV carports with their shading functions, of sound barriers along
highways. These applications are reported in Chap. 11.
In the general context of the so-called “energy transition,”, i.e. the transition from
an energy supply based on fossil fuels and on nuclear reactors to an energy supply
based on renewable energy sources (wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, etc.), the topic
of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is gaining interest [15]. In BIPV, the PV
panel substitutes building components, such as roof tiles, or façade elements.
BIPV has now the potential to extend its market share for the following reasons
[15]:
First, the base cost of PV panels per m
2 is now below the cost of many standard
façade or high-quality roofing materials. It can, hence, save the costs of traditional
building materials, both in new buildings and in renovation projects
Second, more and more countries are in the process of passing legislation, which
prescribes that a significant fraction of the energy consumed by buildings has to be
produced on-site. This should create a larger market, especially for PV façades.
Finally, with more automation in manufacturing, the fabrication of BIPV elements
should become possible at a lower cost, making a more favourable economic case
for BIPV.
Third, the last years have seen the emergence of transformative techniques, which
allow a complete change of the visual appearance of PV modules: This opens new
opportunities for architects and for aesthetic sensitive home owners. Figure 1.8a,
b illustrate the case of crystalline silicon modules, which have been modified to
appear white or terra-cotta coloured using special filters. There are indeed almost no
technical restrictions any more to what can be done visually with PV panels: thus, a
long-time hurdle for many designers and architects is being removed [15].
Finally, with more automation in manufacturing, the fabrication of BIPV elements
will also be possible at a lower cost, making the case more economically favourable
(Fig. 1.8).
Noticeably though, bringing a full integration of PV in buildings requires coordinating the work of the many entities involved in the building process: property
owners, financers, architects, builders, tenants, etc. This task is sometimes more difficult than the solving of pure technological problems. Still, by creating awareness, by
communicating through demonstration projects, and by stimulating demands through
incentives or regulations, they are good prospects for the growth of this sector. It will
come as a complement to the more traditional building-added PV (BAPV), where
PV elements are added onto existing roof or façade infrastructures.