The Next Big Thing in the Glass and Glazing Industry Building Integrated Photovoltaics [BIPV]

摘要

WHEN CONSIDERING THE IMPACT OF BIPV ON GREEN construction, it's important to clarify the following terminology of the photovoltaics industry applications: 1. BIPV, or Building Integrated Photovoltaics, are fenestration applications. 2. BAPV, or Building Applied Photovoltaics, are rooftop applications. 3. Solar Fields are ground mounted applications. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates BIPV and BAPV applications have the potential to generate up to half the electricity in this country; that includes photovoltaic (PV) modules installed in BIPV curtain walls, window walls, sunscreens, skylights, and related products. PV modules essentially have the same structural and thermal performance as monolithic glass, spandrel glass, and insulating glass. In fact, PV modules can actually replace these conventional glass applications; new technology has developed transparent PV modules which improve the energy efficiency of a building while generating electricity, and providing an aesthetically appealing appearance.