Building Integrated PV Systems Presented By, Sudarshan B S Assistant Professor, Dept. of EEE RVCE, Bangalore

Introduction A major application of solar photovoltaics is in building integrated systems where the air-conditioning and lighting loads of the building are supplied by photovoltaic systems. As mentioned before, one of the advantages of PV systems is that the power output matches very well with the peak-load demand. During sunny summer day, more air conditioning will be used. This puts higher strain on the grid. Since PV system also produces higher power during summer, it can be used to match the load by the AC and hence the strain on the grid is reduced. BIPV or Building Integrated Photovoltaics as the name suggests are solar modules that integrate into the building, walls, windows, roof. These integrate very well into the building structures and thus give a more elegant look to the construction. These are especially designed materials with ancillary source of electrical power. Both new construction as well as older ones can use this technology. 

Typical load curve Solar Irradiation Electrical Load Midnight 6:00 AM 9:00 AM 12 noon 3:00 PM 6:00 PM 9:00 PM Midnight

Building Integrated PV System

Building Integrated PV System

Building Integrated PV System Train station Stillwell Avenue, New York City, roof integrated transparent BIPV system

Building Integrated PV System Gas Station with Solar PV

Building Integrated PV System Cars parked under solar installations at Danfoss facility in Oragadam, Chennai

Advantages of BIPV Modules The major advantage of the BIPV system is that it produces distributed power generation at the point of consumption. Aesthetically pleasing Saves building materials and labour costs Can be used on weaker building structures and roofs where solar panels cannot be installed Can be used on structures such as facades and skylights where solar panels cannot be installed.

BIPV Solar Module Manufacturers Onyx Solar The offer different PV solutions like: i) Standard PV Glass 100% compatible with any building area and can be used ventilated facades, skylights, walkable floors, canopies, windows, curtain walls, balconies etc. One can also choose the degree of transparency for the glass. Available in different colours (first of its kind) ii) Custom PV Glass  can be customized according to the client’s need

BIPV Solar Module Manufacturers Ascent Solar WaveSol Thin Film Modules integrate into building materials to produce solar power. WaveSol Light module is claimed to deliver the highest power density available on thin-film plastic substrates. Canadian Solar One of the lowest cost manufacturers of solar panels. Providing ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules, solar power systems and specialized solar products. The company provides the solar industry with the widest PV product lines from 0.03W to 305W Hanergy Hanergy is the largest China based thin film company, with branches in China, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and other regions. Hanergy manufactures high efficiency thin film solar modules.  Hanwha Solar One Hanwha SolarOne solar modules are ideal for on grid & off grid applications for commercial, residential and utility purposes.

Typical Features of Canadian Solar’s BIPV Modules Power Output: 55W-115W/m2 depending on cell spacing Cell Information: Crystalline (mono or poly 125mm/ 156mm) Size/Piece: 100mm x 100mm (min)  up to   2000mm x 3000mm (max) Weight/Piece: 5kg- 30kg/m2 Cable Location: Edge Transparency: Average 25% up to 50% + Module Thickness: 6mm + 6mm up to 12mm + 12mm Frame: No Frame Warranty Period: 10 years, 90% power; 25 years, 80% power.

BIPV Across The World The Department Of Energy in the United States initiated the Million Solar Roofs Initiative to place one million solar power systems on homes and buildings across the U.S. by the year 2010. Japan added about 150 MW of BIPV systems between 1995 and 2000. The existing programs in Europe, Japan, and the U.S. added 200 MW of installations by the year 2010. The Netherlands plans to install 250 MW by 2010.

Further Reading Commission of the European Communities, (1993), Solar Architecture in Europe, Prism Pr Ltd, ISBN 978-1853270734. Schneider, A. (1996), Solararchitektur für Europa. Birkhäuser. ISBN 978-3764353810. Hagemann, I., (2002), Gebäudeintegrierte Photovoltaik: Architektonische Integration der Photovoltaik in die Gebäudehülle; Rudolf Müller Publisher. Köln, ISBN 2002, ISBN 3-481- 01776-6. Prasad, D., Snow, M., (2005), Designing with Solar Power: A Source Book for Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV); Earthscan, London 2005, ISBN 1-844071-47-2. Gaiddon, B., Kaan, H., Munro, D., (2009), Photovoltaics in the Urban Environment: Lessons Learnt from Large Scale Projects; Earthscan, London 2009, ISBN 978-1-84407-771-7. Roberts, S. Guariento, N., (2009), Building Integrated Photovoltaics, a Handbook; Birkhäuser Architecture. Sick, F., Erge T., (1995), Photovoltaics in Buildings: A Design Handbook for Architects and Engineers; IEA SHC, Task 16 - Photovoltaics in Buildings.

Reports Designing Photovoltaic Systems for Architectural Integration - IEA SHC Task 41, Subtask A: Criteria for Architectural Integration. Building Integration of Solar Thermal and Photovoltaics - Barriers, Needs and Strategies - IEA SHC Task 41, Subtask A: Criteria for Architectural Integration. Solar Energy Systems in Architecture - Integration Criteria and Guidelines - IEA SHC Task 41, Subtask A: Criteria for Architectural Integration. Eiffert, P., Kiss, G.J.: Building-Integrated Photovoltaic; Designs for Commercial and Institutional Structures - A Sourcebook for Architects. Kiss, G.J., Kinkead, J. (1996), Optimal Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Applications - Kiss + Company Architects, 1996. Eiffert, P. (2003), Building Integrated Photovoltaic Power Systems Guidelines for Economic Evaluation; January 2003, NREL/TP-550-31977. Potential for Building Integrated Photovoltaic; Report T7-04 IEA PVPS Task 7, 2002. Schoen, T.J.: Building-Integrated PV installations in The Netherlands: examples and operational experiences; IEA PVPS Task 7, Photovoltaic Power Systems in the Build Environment. Zondag, H., Bakker, M., van Helden, W. editors: PVT ROADMAP, A European guide for the development and market introduction of PV-Thermal technology; PV Catapult project, supported by the European Union under contract no. 502775 (SES6).

Additional Info Astrid Schneider - solar architect, web site with many interesting BIPV examples. Innovative solar products for building integration - IEA SHC - Task 41: Solar Energy & Architecture. The International Building Performance Simulation Association, IEA PVPS - Task 7, Reports. The International Building Performance Simulation Association, IPBSA is a non-profit international society of building performance simulation researchers, developers and practitioners.

Other Sanyo Solar Ark - the design of the Solar Ark was inspired by the vision of an ark embarking onto a journey toward the 21st Century. Take a tour trough the Maine Solar House; design, solar energy use etc. Improving the world through passive solar homes, plans, and solar concepts, TheSolarPlan.com.

Papers