Understanding Mainstream BIPV Components: Promoting the New Development of Green Buildings

Against the backdrop of the global push for green energy transformation, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), as an important way to achieve building energy efficiency and the utilization of renewable energy, is receiving increasing attention. BIPV organically combines photovoltaic power generation with building structures, not only providing clean electricity for buildings but also effectively improving the overall aesthetics and sustainability of buildings. This article will take you through the technical aspects of mainstream BIPV components.

I. BIPV VS BAPV: More Than Just a Change in Installation Methods Traditional photovoltaics (BAPV) are "external equipment" for buildings, while BIPV is the "native organ" of buildings. The core difference lies in: 1. Structural Replacement: Directly replaces traditional building materials (such as glass curtain walls and tiles), bearing the functions of load-bearing, heat insulation, and waterproofing. 2. Aesthetic Integration: Customizable colors, light transmittance, and textures, achieving "invisible power generation". 3. Economic Leap: Save building material costs, obtain power generation income, apply for subsidies, and can also conduct carbon trading.

II. Mainstream BIPV Components                                                                            

1 1. Crystalline Silicon BIPV Components Crystalline silicon BIPV mainly uses monocrystalline silicon BIPV components, and the color, size specifications, and light transmittance can be customized according to the needs of building design. High Efficiency Conversion: Currently, the conversion efficiency of BIPV components on the market can reach 23%, which means that under the same lighting conditions, it can generate more electricity than other components, providing more sufficient power support for buildings. Strong Stability: The monocrystalline silicon material has a stable structure, and the performance degradation is slow during long-term use. The power degradation rate in 25 years can generally be controlled within 20%, greatly reducing the cost of later maintenance and replacement. Short Return on Investment Period: Compared with thin-film BIPV components, monocrystalline silicon BIPV components are lower in cost, greatly shortening the investment return period. Application Scenarios: With its excellent performance, monocrystalline silicon BIPV components are widely used in large commercial buildings and large shopping malls. The main parts include curtain walls, skylights, awnings, roofs, and floor tiles.

2. Thin-Film BIPV Components Thin-film BIPV components include cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, and perovskite, with cadmium telluride thin-film BIPV components being the dominant type. High Light Transmittance and Aesthetics: Cadmium telluride BIPV components have excellent light transmission performance and can flexibly adjust the light transmittance according to the needs of building design. At the same time, they can present various colors and patterns, providing a wealth of creative space for building design, making the building appearance more beautiful and unique, and achieving the perfect integration of building aesthetics and photovoltaic power generation. Excellent Low-Light Performance: Compared with monocrystalline silicon BIPV components, cadmium telluride has better low-light performance. Under low light intensity and scattered light conditions, cadmium telluride BIPV components can still continue to generate electricity. Application Scenarios: Cadmium telluride BIPV components have been widely used in landmark city buildings, high-end commercial complexes, and cultural building projects with high requirements for building appearance. The main parts include curtain walls and roofs.

Crystalline silicon BIPV components and thin-film cadmium telluride BIPV components each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Crystalline silicon BIPV components dominate in large buildings and industrial fields due to their high conversion efficiency and stable performance. Cadmium telluride BIPV components show unique charm in landmark city buildings and projects with high requirements for building appearance due to their excellent light transmittance, aesthetics, and low-light performance. With continuous technological advancements and further cost reductions, BIPV components will inevitably play a more important role in the future green building field, contributing to the achievement of global carbon reduction goals.