Building integrated photovoltaics. Overview of barriers and opportunities

Abstract

Based on the available literature, the status and prospects for further development of the building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) market were analyzed. The results of the analysis show that the high investment costs and the lack of information about installed BIPV systems and BIPV technology are a problem for the stakeholders. The BIPV technology is an interdisciplinary problem, so the cooperation of a large number of different experts is important. However, it is not yet at a satisfactory level. Another problem is the overlapping of responsibilities of HVAC installers, interior designers and fa?ade manufacturers. On the other hand, the incentives of the EU regulatory framework and beyond to use RES in both new buildings and renovation of old buildings, as well as the desire for energy independence, encourage the application of BIPV technology. An analysis of the electricity production potential of BIPV integrated into the walls and roof of the building was made for four geographical locations. A comparison of the production of electricity on the walls and on the roof of the building was carried out. The analysis shows that on the four walls of the building, where each wall has the same area as the roof of the building, approximately 2.5 times more electricity than on the roof can be generated. In the absence of available surface for installing a photovoltaic power plant on the roof, the walls represent a great potential for BIPV technology.