Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Technology Guidebook and Global Case Studies: An Analysis of the Latest IEA BIPV Report

The International Energy Agency (IEA)'s Building-Integrated Photovoltaics Technical Guidebook is a comprehensive guide to the design and implementation of BIPV for the building and real estate industries. Written by a team of experts from 10 countries, this guidebook integrates industry knowledge, provides best practices, and offers decision-makers practical tools for successful BIPV system implementation.

Source: IEA PVPS

The following is IEA-PVPS's description of the book:

"This book provides a step-by-step roadmap guiding professionals through every stage of BIPV deployment. Key features include:

• Detailed technical drawings illustrating the integration of BIPV in roofs, facades, shading systems, and infrastructure.
• Numerous real-world case studies showcasing BIPV solutions in diverse climatic conditions and building environments.
• Best practices for decision-making, from site assessment to energy modeling, business models, and sustainability analysis.
• In-depth exploration of the performance of BIPV systems, covering power generation, thermal performance, daylighting, sound insulation, and safety.
• Guidance on long-term operation and maintenance strategies to ensure system durability and efficiency."

This article will introduce the book from three dimensions: technical framework, design process, and case studies. The original book is in English and has 194 pages. For those who need to read or collect it, please click the "Read More" link at the end of the article.

Source: IEA PVPS

I. Technical Framework

Based on the international standard IEC 63092, the book establishes a complete BIPV technical framework system and provides a detailed description of the performance requirements for BIPV components and systems, including: power generation performance, thermal performance, solar and optical performance, waterproof and moisture-proof performance, sound insulation performance, durability, reliability, aesthetics, as well as mechanical safety, electrical safety, and fire safety.

For example, regarding the thermal performance of photovoltaic components, the book introduces the Sandia formula commonly used in the photovoltaic field, and the coefficient values of the Sandia formula under different installation types.

Source: IEA PVPS

II. Design Process

Based on the building design process, the book proposes a corresponding BIPV design process:

Value Proposition (Step 0) -> Site Assessment (Step 1) -> Irradiance Modeling (Step 2) -> Setting Power Generation Targets (Step 3) -> Capacity Calculation (Step 4) -> BIPV System Design (Step 5) -> Sustainability Assessment (Step 6)

Source: IEA PVPS

III. Case Studies

The most practical part of the book is Chapter 5, which includes 24 global BIPV case studies covering cold, temperate, and tropical climates, as well as applications such as roofs, skylights, curtain walls, facades, double-skin facades, shading, and carports. Each case study provides project information, panoramic building views, photos of BIPV products, and BIPV node drawings.

Umwelt Arena Project Information (Source: IEA PVPS)

Umwelt Arena Aerial View (Source: IEA PVPS)

Umwelt Arena Detail (Source: IEA PVPS)

Umwelt Arena Drawings (Source: IEA PVPS)

The guidebook is available as an e-book from the IEA-PVPS website (free download via the "Read More" link at the end of the article), and a printed version is published by Routledge (ISBN 978-1-032-55789-2). This document is suitable for architects, engineers, policymakers, and academic research and should be used in conjunction with local building codes and climate data.