Building-integrated solar photovoltaics, known as BIPV, are solar power generating systems integrated at façades, roofs, or windows of buildings. Commercially, BIPV solutions are used to power up the buildings and make them energy-independent.
Photovoltaics is an advanced technology in the renewable energy industry. The building-integrated photovoltaics BIPV is a part of photovoltaics that uses the infrastructure of a building to fix solar panels onto it, which then generate electricity directly from sunlight. In simple words, BIPV systems are integrated into the building envelope. Moreover, the BIPV solar systems do not require any external mounting or racking support to set up the PV panels.
Building-integrated solar photovoltaics, known as BIPV, are solar power generating systems integrated at façades, roofs, or windows of buildings. Commercially, BIPV solutions are used to power up the buildings and make them energy-independent.
Here is a detailed overview of the BIPV solar system and how it works.
What is the BIPV System?
BIPV, or building-integrated solar system, is a solar power-generating module fixed to the building infrastructure envelope. The solar panels cover the building exterior while providing its envelope as a weather protector. BIPV systems are efficient because sunlight falling straight to the buildings is captured by the solar cells to produce electricity.
A complete BIPV system consists of the following elements.
- PV panels
- Charge controller
- Power storage system
- Solar inverter
- Power backup supplies such as solar batteries
- Smart meter
- Appropriate mounting equipment
BIPV systems can be standalone as off-grid and hybrid but can also be connected to the utility grid. Moreover, the BIPV solar systems offer unlimited electricity supply to corporate buildings while serving as the facade of the building.
What Is a BIPV Solar Panel?
Solar panels integrated into a building’s infrastructure, creating an envelope around it while generating power simultaneously, are known as BIPV solar panels.
Two types of BIPV products are available in the market, i.e., thick crystal and thin film photovoltaic panels.
Thick crystal PV products include solar panels made of crystalline silicon. They have either mono or polycrystalline wafers. The thick crystal solar panels can deliver 10-12 watts per ft² of PV array.
On the other hand, thin-film photovoltaic panels are made with very thin layers of photovoltaic materials that are carefully placed on a substrate (either glass or metal). Commercially, the thin film solar panels can deliver around 4-5 watts per ft² of PV array area.
BIPV systems are exceptionally suitable for commercial high-rise buildings. Roof-mounted solar panels are used for residential use, and the whole module is called a BAPV solar system.
What is the Difference Between BIPV and BAPV Systems?
BIPV, a building-integrated PV system, is fixed on the exterior of the building. The BAPV or building-applied photovoltaic system is mounted on the rooftop using mounts and frames.
Although the BIPV installation requires much work, it is the best solution for big infrastructures.
Knowing BIPV and BAPV is vital before opting for a solar power solution for your property. Further, consumers need to know which solar panel system would work best for their house or building. Multiple options are available, such as on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid. It all depends on the energy consumption.
How Building Integrated PV Systems are Installed?
BIPV systems are installed during the construction process of a property. Otherwise, the BIPV system is installed during the renovation phase for an existing building.
There are three best-fit areas where a BIPV system can be installed: Roofs, Facade, and External Infrastructure.
BIPV windows, shingles, claddings, and shading systems are designed per the building requirement and energy consumption.
BIPV systems offer diverse benefits. The building integrated PV modules generates clean power and contributes to the world’s net zero pledge. Moreover, they make buildings energy-independent and minimize electricity bills to zero.
