 |
| luxurious vacation home featuring BIPV curtain walls and a solar-integrated roof. [AI generated image] |
Introduction
Climate change has become an important subject around the world, moving to green energy has become apparent for the preservation of mother nature. For over two decades renewable energy has gain a significant investment leading to the advent of new technologies to enable a seamless transition from fossil fuel to green energy.
Among many renewable energy sources, the solar energy has been on the limelight, as it continues enjoy the highest monetry investment globally among other renewable energy sources, according to REN21 renewable energy investment report. Among many technological innovations in the solar energy industry the Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) technology is making the new waves. This post explain what BIPV is and why you should definitely consider it for your solar energy investment.
What is BIPV?
 |
| Office complex with BIPV installed curtain walls [AI generated image] |
BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) system as the name implies, is the integration of PV modules into building structures such that roofs, windows and facade are all made from solar cells.
The traditional method of solar panels installation involves the installation of PV panels on roof tops and open field which in urban cities has shown not to be viable, because of the initial cost of investment, the availability of land for solar farm and the architectural beauty of the buildings.
BIPV allows PV modules be installed during construction or as part of a building retrofit. The BIPV has a dual functionality, such that it can be used to generate the required electrical energy for the building while giving the building a beautiful architectural appeal.
How Does BIPV Works?
Before exploring the working principle of BIPV, lets first discuss the types of BIPV products.
Types of BIPV Product
BIPV products are the types of solar PV that can be integrated into building. These include:
- Roofs: Solar cells are made into Shingles, tiles, and skylights roofing sheets for buildings.
- Windows: Solar cells are made into glass windows and glazing materials for buildings.
- facades: Solar cells are made into cladding, curtain walls, balcony railings and shading systems for the buildings.
Working Principle of the BIPV
Just like the traditional photovoltaic system, the BIPV requires the same components and principle of operation.
 |
| Installation of Inverter and batteries for BIPV system [AI generated image] |
For a standalone installation, the roofing tiles, windows, or facades generates the DC voltage which is fed into the boost converter to increase the input voltage. The HVDC (High Voltage DC) from the boost converter charges the battery through the charge controller. During the day, the DC power from the boost converter is converted into AC power by the inverter and supplied to the load, and in the night, the DC power from the battery is converted to AC power by the inverter and supplied to load. The same principle of operation is applicable to a grid connected BIPV system, with the exception that excess electrical energy is feed to the grid.
Benefits of BIPV
There are several benefits of BIPV in urban cities which are discussed below.
Energy Efficiency:
Many houses in urban metropolis relies on fossil fueled generator and grid power for their electrical energy. With the installation of BIPV, electrical energy is guaranteed, the reliance on grid power can be reduce, thereby reducing cost on electricity bills and eliminating cost incured from fossil fuel generator.
Aesthetic Appeal:
When the facades and roofing tiles are made of solar cells, the anesthetic appearance of the building is enhanced. In cities where architectural beauty is sought after, BIPV can improve the overall outlook of the building.
Sustainability:
Climate change has become an international issue. As fossil fuels depletes slowly, its carbon footprint is doing more harm than good. Also, in many developing and under developed countries, the grid is usually not reliable to supply the required power, hence many household and businesses compensate for power using fossil fuel powered generator (diesel and petrol generators), which add to the environmental pollution. With the BIPV, homes and office complex can align with the green building certification, thereby reducing carbon footprint in the environment.
Cost-Effectiveness:
One of the challenges faced with traditional method of solar panel installation is that, the panels has to be installed after the house construction is complete, hence additional cost for solar panel installation is incurred. But with the BIPV, the house construction materials are already BIPV products, which equates to cost saving.
Durability and Versatility:
Many companies around the globe now forcus on producing BIPV products. Each year, BIPV roofing tiles, window glazing, and facades are produce to meet the demand. This has created room for durability of these products as companies compete to meet consumers needs. BIPV products are also versatile as different building materials are now made from solar cells. BIPV products can be installed in any building type irrespective of their location.
Why Investment in BIPV?
After learning so much, the big question is why should you invest in BIPV?
 |
| BIPV investment |
Below are few reasons why you should consider investing in BIPV:
- Growing Demand for Renewable Energy: mentioned earlier, i explained how climate change due to carbon footprint is driving the world to consider other source of energy. In 2023, 473 GW was generated from renewable energy with over 600 billion USD investment by different countries in the world and over 150 countries are now committed to investing more in renewable energy. So if you are considering joining the world in going green, BIPV is definitely your goto.
- Energy Independence: grid failure is not a new phenomenon, unlike in developed countries with it is uncommon to occur, it as become constant challenge in developing and under developed countries. In any part of the world, the grid is not always reliable and sometimes power outage can be detrimental to your business or daily life, hence the need to become an independent energy provider. The BIPV gives you the freedom to produce your energy and consume however you want, without the fear of grid failure.
- Regulations and Incentives: in the COP 2023, over 130 countries pledge to invest more in green energy, to fulfill this promises many countries have began adopting friendly regulations and giving incentives to individuals or businesses willing to invest in green energy.
- Resale Value: Everyone hoping to buy a new building always look-out for aesthetic appeal and reliable source of energy. A house with BIPV installed will be easier to sell in the market compared to a house that depends on the grid. Not only the ease of selling the building, the BIPV building will be more valued in terms of monetary costs than its counterpart. A BIPV installed building not only gets sold quickly, you can also make a significant amount of profit from your sales.
Challenges and Consideration of BIPV
The two questions bothering many people hoping to get into the BIPV train is, "What is the cost for BIPV, and what kind of technology is available for this system?"
Although the initial cost for BIPV is generally high like every renewable energy investment, government financial incentives are usually available in many developed countries. Also in recent years, there has been a significant increase in technological innovations that support the BIPV system. Currently significant resources is being allocated to research that focus on developing innovative technical solutions that focuses on BIPV.
 |
| BIPV installed roof and facade [AI generated image] |
Conclusion
Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) represents a cutting-edge solution for sustainable and energy-efficient architecture. By seamlessly blending efficient energy generation with aesthetic appeal, the BIPV system offer an innovative way to reduce energy costs, minimize environmental impact, and enhance property value.
Investing in BIPV is not just about staying ahead of trends, it is a commitment to greener future. With increasing global demand for renewable energy and government incentives, now is the perfect time to integrate BIPV into your building projects. Whether you are a homeowner, architect, or business owner, adopting BIPV can deliver long-term benefits while contributing to a more sustainable world.
: What It Is and Why It's a Smart Investment ){kind=link}