Photovoltaic Meets Architecture: Five Key Factors for Unlocking BIPV Design!

The combination of photovoltaics and architecture is an innovative technology that integrates solar photovoltaic power generation technology with building structures to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. This article briefly discusses the forms of photovoltaic and building integration and the main factors to be considered in design applications.

Main Forms of Photovoltaic and Building Integration

1. Conventional Integration: Rooftop Photovoltaic SystemsConventional integration involves installing photovoltaic modules on the roof of a building, which are connected in parallel to the power grid. This method achieves the collection and conversion of solar energy by installing packaged photovoltaic modules on the roofs of residential houses or buildings. The photovoltaic modules are connected to inverters, loads, and other devices to form a complete power generation system. When the photovoltaic system generates surplus power, the excess power is fed back to the grid; when the photovoltaic system generates insufficient power, it obtains power from the grid to meet the demand.2. Deep Integration: Photovoltaic Building MaterialsDeep integration refers to the replacement of building materials, such as roofs, exterior walls, and windows, with photovoltaic devices. In this mode, photovoltaic modules must meet the conditions of firmness, insulation, and waterproofing, and consider ventilation, lifespan, and replacement issues. The integration of photovoltaic devices and building materials allows photovoltaic modules to serve as both building materials and generate electricity, achieving the ideal effect of one item with multiple uses. For example, photovoltaic tiles, photovoltaic curtain walls, photovoltaic skylights, and photovoltaic sunrooms are all typical applications of deep integration.

II. Key Factors in the Design Application of Photovoltaic and Building Integration

1. Spatial FactorsPhotovoltaic distribution: Based on factors such as the building's orientation and surrounding environment, reasonably distribute photovoltaic components to maximize power generation efficiency. Reasonable spatial distribution can significantly improve the power generation of the photovoltaic system and the overall efficiency of the system. Shade analysis: Evaluate the impact of surrounding buildings, trees, etc., that may cast shadows on photovoltaic components and avoid blocking sunlight. Shading significantly reduces the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic components, so the shading factor must be fully considered during design and installation. Dust accumulation analysis: Consider the dust accumulation problem on the surface of photovoltaic components and formulate cleaning and maintenance plans to ensure the long-term efficient operation of the components. Dust accumulation reduces the light transmittance and power generation efficiency of photovoltaic components, and regular cleaning and maintenance is the key to maintaining efficient operation.2. Architectural Style FactorsLighting requirements: Consider the impact of photovoltaic components on indoor lighting during design to ensure that the lighting needs of the building are met while generating electricity. Buildings with high lighting requirements need to pay special attention to the selection and design of light transmittance when selecting photovoltaic components. Color matching: The color and appearance of photovoltaic components should be consistent with the overall design style of the building to maintain the building's aesthetics. Color matching not only affects the aesthetics of the building but also relates to the power generation efficiency and environmental adaptability of photovoltaic components. Thermal analysis: Evaluate the impact of photovoltaic components on the building's thermal environment, optimize the building's thermal performance, and improve the building's energy-saving effect. Thermal analysis helps ensure the stability and efficient operation of photovoltaic components under different climate conditions.

3. Safety FactorsStructural safety: The installation of photovoltaic components must meet building structural safety standards and be able to withstand natural conditions such as wind load and snow load. Structural safety is the foundation for the long-term stable operation of the photovoltaic system, and various loads and environmental influences must be fully considered during design. Electrical safety: The electrical design of the photovoltaic system must follow national electrical safety standards, set necessary protection measures, and prevent electrical faults. Electrical safety is an important link in ensuring the normal operation of the photovoltaic system and personnel safety. Fire safety: Photovoltaic materials and system design must meet fire protection requirements to prevent fire risks. Fire protection design can effectively reduce the safety hazards of photovoltaic systems in fires and ensure the reliability of the system.4. Power Generation Efficiency FactorsString design: Reasonably design the series and parallel connections of photovoltaic components to achieve optimal electrical performance and power generation efficiency. String design directly affects the power generation and overall performance of the photovoltaic system, and optimization can improve the power generation efficiency of the system. Cable connection: Ensure that the cable layout is safe and reasonable, meets electrical safety requirements, and reduces line losses. Optimization of cable connections can reduce system energy losses and improve the overall efficiency of the system. Inverter selection: Select an appropriate inverter to ensure that the photovoltaic system can efficiently convert DC power into AC power and has a maximum power point tracking function. The selection of the inverter has an important impact on the power generation efficiency and stability of the system, and selecting a high-efficiency inverter can improve the power generation efficiency of the system.

5. Customized Photovoltaic ProductsBuilding shape: According to the overall style and functional needs of the building, customize the shape and size of photovoltaic components to achieve perfect integration with the building. Customized photovoltaic products can improve the aesthetics and functionality of the building and adapt to different building needs. Exterior wall grid size: Reasonably plan the division of the exterior wall to adapt to the installation and maintenance of photovoltaic components. Reasonable exterior wall grid design can improve the installation efficiency and maintenance convenience of the photovoltaic system. Photovoltaic component size, module: Select photovoltaic component sizes and specifications that match the building module to achieve modular design, which can improve the installation efficiency and maintainability of the photovoltaic system.

III. Main Application Forms of BIPV

Photovoltaic curtain wall:Combining photovoltaic components with curtain walls is both beautiful and practical, suitable for commercial and public buildings.Photovoltaic skylight:Using photovoltaic components to replace traditional skylight materials to achieve the dual functions of lighting and power generation.Photovoltaic shading:Combining photovoltaic components with shading facilities to provide shading for buildings while generating electricity.Photovoltaic sunroom:Install photovoltaic components on the top of the sunroom to provide clean energy for the indoor space.Photovoltaic tile:Design photovoltaic components into tile shapes to replace traditional roof tiles and achieve the power generation function of the roof.Photovoltaic paving bricks:Embed photovoltaic components in paving bricks to provide power support for outdoor spaces. Photovoltaic and building integration (BIPV) achieves the dual goals of energy saving and environmental protection by integrating photovoltaic power generation technology with building structures. Design applications need to comprehensively consider spatial factors, architectural styles, safety factors, efficiency factors, and photovoltaic product customization, to ensure optimal system performance and aesthetics. With continuous technological advancements and policy support, the BIPV market will usher in broader development prospects.