Reimagining Building Façades: The Prefabricated Unitized BIPV Walls (PUBW) for High-Rises

Abstract

In urban settings, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) on façades prove more effective than rooftop installations, especially for tall structures with limited roof area. Yet, the absence of ready-to-use BIPV solutions restricts their broader use. This research presents a prefabricated unitized BIPV wall system, using light gauge steel structure prefabrication. The innovative BIPV system boasts a multifunctional, modular design, ensuring quick installation and meeting airtightness standards. The design process encompasses cross-sectional design, PV mounting, 3D modeling, and full-scale mock-up demonstrations in Singapore. Remarkably, the prefabricated units are preassembled and pre-wired, allowing three non-specialized workers to install from inside buildings, eliminating the need for scaffolding. The study offers insights into the new BIPV system’s advantages, identifies its constraints, and suggests avenues for future enhancement.