Integrated solar energy systems
Introduction
Building Integrated Photovoltaic Solar Energy (in English known as Building Integrated Photovoltaics or BIPV) consists of the use of photovoltaic modules that literally form part of the structure of a building to replace conventional construction materials such as roof coverings, skylights, skylights or facades.
Photovoltaic modules are increasingly incorporated from the initial stages in the design and construction of new buildings as their main source of electricity or for energy savings, although existing buildings can be expanded with similar technology.
An advantage of incorporating initially integrated photovoltaic systems is that the final cost can be offset by the reduction in expenditure on conventional construction materials and savings in assembly that are normally used to construct the part of the building that the BIPV modules replace. These advantages allow BIPV photovoltaics to be one of the fastest growing segments of the photovoltaic industry.
A different expression in English is building-applied photovoltaics or BAPV which refers to photovoltaic systems that involve an adaptation of units integrated into the building once construction is completed.
Most building-integrated installations are actually BAPV. Some manufacturers and builders differentiate new construction BIPV from BAPV.
Transparent modules
In general, transparent modules are used.
The modules used for photovoltaic integration can be made of either amorphous or crystalline silicon (polycrystalline or monocrystalline) and admit various degrees of transparency.
Likewise, for cruise ships, transparent solar panels can be used to allow part of the sunlight to pass through.
Roof tiles, glass and solar windows
Manufacturers are offering different building-integrated photovoltaic elements:
• - Tesla offers solar tiles, capable of producing electricity, which it calls Solar Roof.[1].
• - Other manufacturers offer solar glazing and windows, such as Wysips Glass from SUNPARTNER Technologies,[2] while new companies are emerging that are preparing their entry into this construction and industrial sector, such as Solar Window.[3].