Building Integrated PV (BIPV)

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are photovoltaics that are used in sustainable development to replace conventional building materials in parts of the building envelope such as the roof, skylights, windows or facades.  This is increasingly being incorporated into the construction of new buildings but may be retrofitted as well.

At Ecosphere we can help advise on how to use BIPV to create unique and cost effective designs and on the best way to incorporate photovoltaics and renewable energy into your projects.

 

Advantages of BIPV

• Cost effective
  The initial cost can be offset by reducing the amount of building materials and labour that would normally be used to construct the part of the building that the BIPV modules replace. In fact the BIPV modules can be cheaper than some cladding.
• Reduced Energy Bills
  BIPV installed in offices or commercial buildings which are mainly occupied in daylight hours will vastly reduce energy bills and make the buildings more energy efficient.
• Generate Income
  With BIPV you can benefit from green tariffs and feed in tariff plans.
• Design
  Benefit from innovative and moderns designs.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaic modules are available in several forms

• The most widely installed to date is a thin film solar cell integrated to a flexible polymer roofing membrane
• Modules are also available shaped like multiple roof tiles.
• Solar shingles are modules designed to look and act like regular shingles, while incorporating a flexible thin film cell. It extends normal roof life by protecting insulation and membranes from ultraviolet rays and water degradation. It does this by eliminating condensation because the dew point is kept above the roofing membrane.
• Solar Facades are increasingly being used to replace conventional building materials.  Not only does this provide an income through Feed-In Tariffs but also saves on the costs of conventional materials.
• Facades can also be installed on existing buildings, giving old buildings a whole new look. These modules are mounted on the facade of the building, over the existing structure, which can increase the appeal of the building and its resale value.
• Glazing(Semi)transparent modules can be used to replace a number of architectural elements commonly made with glass or similar materials, such as windows and skylights.

If you would like to talk to one of our consultants please call us on 01825 880603 or fill in our no obligation quote form.