The Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) system refers to a PV module-incorporated surface resembling windows, serving as a substitute for traditional building components like roofs, skylights, and facades.
This integration acts as an additional power source, contributing to the contemporary and sophisticated aesthetic of the building.
Building Integrated Photovoltaics broadens the capabilities of walls, windows, and facades.
This comprehensive architectural approach enables the extraction of energy from prefabricated construction components that incorporate PV technology.
Differing from Building Applied Photovoltaics (BAPV), in BIPV, the solar modules are an inherent component of the building elements themselves.
The appeal of a BIPV system lies in its dual functionality: it expands the available space both within and around the home, while also enabling the conversion of solar radiation into usable energy for household consumption. Crucially, the economic aspect is key, given that BIPV systems serve a twofold purpose. They not only generate renewable energy but also offer home protection, thereby reducing the homeowner's expenses on self-sufficient solar power.
Through the utilization of solar tiles in lieu of traditional asphalt panels, homeowners can effectively reduce the overall cost of their solar installation by factoring in the value of their roof. This same cost reduction strategy can also be applied to skylights, railings, and other areas where manufacturers can implement BIPV systems.