Amorphous solar panel,Building Integrated Photovoltaic

BIPV Building Integrated Photovoltaic

BIPV technology is one of fastest growing segments of the photovoltaic industry. The PV modules serve the dual function of building skinreplacing conventional building envelope materialsand power generator.

According to statistics, building consumes about 50% of the world energy during its construction and usages; it also emits 34% of the pollutant. The integration of building with PV can effectively reduce the energy consumption and pollution. When PV panels are integrated into a building during construction, the incremental costs of the system are reduced while the building owner is provided with tangible, cost-saving advantages such as significantly reduced demand for peak electricity, reduced transmission losses and the ability of back-up power

BIPV best demonstrates the multi-functionality of PV. BIPV gives buildings the opportunity to become more self-sufficient by allowing them to generate their own electricity rather than merely consume energy. PV integrated into a building can, as a second function, also provide shade, insulation and help to control the interior climate.

Thin-film PV modules are more suitable for BIPV. Crystalline silicon modules not only lack the aesthetic and physical properties required for BIPV installations but their significantly higher cost per area makes them uneconomical for project managers.