Building integrated photovoltaics - technology status

Abstract

Building integrated photovoltaics modules provide a high degree of design possibilities and additional functionalities in combination with the plain electricity generation well known for standard photovoltaic installations. Consequently, the specialized know-how to understand building integrated photovoltaics, properly design and manufacture them requires much more than the electrical knowledge developed and applied in standard photovoltaic systems. Expertise of building physics and building regulations are also required on a high level. As building integrated photovoltaics modules are usually custom designed, typical electrical design and simulationols cannot be used without modifications, while deeper insight of complex shading influences and specialized overall system design are advantageous. Authors of this publication were involved in well over 1000 building integrated photovoltaics system designs and developments, and their experiences are shared. Recurring questions, issues and mistakes of various building integrated photovoltaics projects are touched, whereas special emphasis is provided on building integrated photovoltaics engineering procedures, system design complexity, as well as shading issues and differentiation of shading according to their origin.