A Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) system consists of integrating photovoltaics modules into the building envelope, such as the roof or the façade. By simultaneously serving as building envelope material and power generator, BIPV systems can provide savings in materials and electricity costs, reduce use of fossil fuels and emission of ozone depleting gases, and add architectural interest to the building.

They are increasingly being incorporated into the construction of new buildings as a principal or ancillary source of electrical power, although existing buildings may be retrofitted with BIPV modules as well. The advantage of integrated photovoltaics over more common non-integrated systems is that the initial cost can be offset by reducing the amount spent on building materials and labour that would normally be used to construct the part of the building that the BIPV modules replace. In addition, since BIPV are an integral part of the design, they generally blend in better and are more aesthetically appealing than other solar options. These advantages make BIPV one of the fastest growing segments of the photovoltaic industry. The past decade has ushered in a myriad of BIPV demonstration buildings and other structures. In both new projects and renovations, BIPV is proving to be an effective building energy technology in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings and structures.

Undoubtedly, such systems challenge even the best of architects. High level of expertise is required for successful BIPV systems planning, not only in regard to architecture, but also to civil and photovoltaic engineering. The projects realised in the past show that successful BIPV systems designing is based heavily on technical experience and knowledge.

Solar Roof Tiles

Special types are solar roof tiles or shingles. For details and offers please Contact us.

Photovoltaic roof tiles or shingles are elements with integrated solar cells used for roof covering, together with standard roof tiles or shingles. They are tightly integrated into the roof. Many different forms are used - photovoltaic roof tiles, photovoltaic roof shingles, solar laminates, modules with integrated solar cells produced as roof covering elements, transparent laminates or modules for flat roofs etc.

Solar (photovoltaic) roof tiles and shingles are probably the most interesting possibility how to integrate solar cells into the building's roof. Many different forms of solar roof tiles are available on the market. The most common solutions are photovoltaic roof tiles with mono- or polycrystalline solar cells used together with the classical roof tiles of the same producer or photovoltaic roof shingles. Roof shingles are produced with crystalline or with thin-film solar cells.

Window solar
 

In photovoltaic applications (also in BIPV systems) low iron tempered glass is usually used. Glazing can be made as simple glass/glass laminate or as complex isolation glass/glass laminate. Special laminates with coloured back sides have also been produced. Due to safety requirements for lamination usually PVB foil instead of EVA foil is used - especially for laminates used in transparent roofs. PVB have been used for decades in automotive industry - laminated safety windscreen glass. Laminate can consist of monocrytalline cells, thin film cells or from transparent cells. For details please see transparent solar cells and modules section or module section.

For offers, contact us. We work with property developers, architects, civil engineers and others in developing eco-friendly buildings.