Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

Definition: Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) refers to the integration of photovoltaic power generation systems with buildings, enabling them to generate their own required electricity on-site.

Photovoltaic power generation is a mainstream application in urban settings.

• First-Generation BIPV Products – Building-Attached Photovoltaics (BAPV): Integrated with rooftops (primarily existing flat roofs).

• Second-Generation BIPV Products – Building Integration: Integrated into building elements such as skylights, curtain walls, and shading devices.

• Third-Generation BIPV Products – Comprehensive Solar Integration: Combining photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems with other solar building energy-saving technologies to achieve truly Net-Zero Energy Buildings.

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) technology involves the integration or combination of solar power (photovoltaic) products into the building envelope. BIPV systems not only serve the function of the building's outer enclosure but also generate electricity for the building's use. The primary forms of building integration for PV systems are:

1. Building-Attached Photovoltaics (BAPV): The PV system is added onto the building structure.

2. Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): The PV elements act as the building material itself.

BIPV offers significant advantages: power is consumed locally, saving grid transmission costs and additional land use; integration with building materials saves costs; and it helps lower the building surface temperature, contributing to energy savings.

BIPV Implementation Pathways:

• Integrated design with roofs

• Integrated design with walls

• Integrated design with shading devices

• Integrated design with other building components

Feature Description:

Compared to other power generation methods, photovoltaic curtain walls save the energy consumption associated with electricity production. They effectively reduce the temperature rise of walls and roofs, minimize heat exchange between the interior and exterior, and decrease air conditioning loads. BIPV makes efficient use of solar energy, a clean energy source that requires no fuel, produces no waste gases, and causes no environmental pollution.