Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) involve incorporating the building's energy generation into the facade. The main types of BIPV include tiles, slates, glazing and sunshades, but its most common use is as a hybrid between a standard photovoltaic (PV) panel and a cladding material, or as curtain walling. BIPV is about using the PV as the building material, rather than as an add on, and means substituting standard building materials, such as cladding or glazing, to allow the PV to form an integrated part of the building facade. It has historically been expensive but, in the past two years, the cost of silicone has fallen by 50 per cent, and this has been reflected in the costs of PV systems. Deciding whether to install BIPV generally involves balancing upfront investment and operating costs.
展开▼
