Imagine a future in which buildings house us and generate the energy we need. It sounds like science fiction, but thanks to building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), this vision is now becoming a reality. This innovative technology allows us to turn roofs, facades, and windows into real solar energy generators, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional energy sources.
How does it work? In practice, the photovoltaic modules are integrated directly into the building’s structural elements (roofs, facades, windows, and skylights). In this way, the building becomes a power plant that uses sunlight to generate clean energy.
The benefits of BIPV are obvious: clean and renewable energy, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, savings on electricity costs and a modern and appealing aesthetic. The modules can also be optimized for ideal orientation and tilt, increasing the building’s energy efficiency and maximizing energy production for self-consumption.
BIPV also blends harmoniously into the building’s architecture, offering a clean and modern look. It is extremely versatile, as it can be applied to different types of buildings, both new and existing, and adapts to different shapes and sizes.
Building facades can be clad with integrated photovoltaic panels, which not only generate energy but also help improve thermal and sound insulation. Windows and skylights can be replaced with photovoltaic glass without compromising the brightness of interior spaces. Canopies, awnings, and other shading systems can be fitted with integrated photovoltaic modules that generate energy and protect against direct sunlight.
But all that glitters is not gold. Building-integrated photovoltaics still presents some challenges. Compared to conventional photovoltaic systems, the installation costs for BIPV can be higher. This is because the photovoltaic modules need to be integrated directly into the building structure, requiring more careful planning and using unique materials. In some cases, the efficiency of BIPV modules can be lower than that of conventional solar modules. It depends on various factors, such as the orientation and inclination of the surfaces on which the modules are integrated, the presence of shade or the operating temperature. Installing BIPV systems requires special skills and greater attention to detail than conventional photovoltaic systems. It is necessary to ensure the structural integrity of the building, the tightness of the modules and the correct electrical connection. The maintenance of BIPV systems can be more complex than conventional solar modules, especially if the modules are integrated into difficult-to-access or replace elements. Although BIPV offers greater aesthetic flexibility than traditional solar modules, photovoltaic modules may still be limited in shapes, sizes, and colours. It could affect the creative freedom of architects and the ability to create buildings with a particularly innovative design.
Despite these challenges, the future of BIPV is bright. Research and development of new technologies are overcoming the obstacles and making BIPV increasingly efficient and cost-effective. The positive outlook is also boosted by the growing awareness of the importance of sustainable energy and the increasing demand for environmentally friendly buildings. It is expected that in the coming years, costs will decrease, module efficiency will increase, and building-integrated photovoltaics will become an ever more widespread and accessible solution that will help transform our cities into smart and sustainable energy systems.
Numerous research centres and universities are actively involved in developing new BIPV technologies. The most important lines of research include developing innovative photovoltaic materials, such as organic solar cells or perovskites, and investigating solutions for integrating BIPV into multifunctional building elements. The European Commission supports research and innovation in the solar energy sector through funding programs such as Horizon Europe. The Italian start-up company “Sottile Solar” is an example of an ongoing technological development that has emerged from the European Horizon 2020 research project “HEART”,” which focuses on the integration of photovoltaic panels in historic buildings.
Further activities and initiatives are underway, such as the IEA PVPS Task 15, an international cooperation project that accelerates the introduction of building-integrated photovoltaics. Its fundamental aim is to create an environment that promotes the uptake of BIPV products in the global renewable energy market and the building sector. This requires ensuring BIPV products compete fairly with building-integrated photovoltaic systems and traditional building components. The project aims to identify and overcome the regulatory, technical, economic and social barriers that hinder the uptake of BIPV.
The Fraunhofer project “BAU-DNS” is characterized by an innovative BIPV facade, as it combines several functions in one building element: energy generation, weather protection and thermal insulation. A key aspect of this facade is its quick and easy installation, which makes an additional substructure for the solar modules superfluous. This feature also helps to reduce costs and the use of materials. In addition, the ability to dismantle individual façade elements independently of each other facilitates maintenance and recycling, thus promoting a circular approach to construction. Another notable innovation is using natural insulating materials such as hemp fibres and mushroom-based materials, which offer significant environmental benefits. These materials are not only sustainable but also contribute to improving the energy efficiency of the building.
In a world increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, BIPV represents a critical solution to transform our cities into innovative and sustainable energy systems. Imagine a future where every building is a small solar energy generator, contributing to a cleaner environment and a greener economy. Thanks to building integrated photovoltaics, this future is within reach.
Alice Masili
-
By: Alice Masili (ONE team)
Scientific writer
-
