Benefits
BIPV systems can be interfaced with the available utility grid or they may be designed as stand-alone, off-grid systems.
The benefits of power production include a reduced dependence on the utility provider (also known as 'grid support'), and savings to the consumer through lower electric bills because of peak shaving (matching peak production with periods of peak demand).
Moreover, buildings that produce power using renewable energy sources reduce the demands on traditional utility generators, often reducing the overall emissions of climate-change gasses.
What type of buildings are suitable for the integration of BIPV systems ?
Existing buildings and new projects in the design phase can be modified to integrate BIPV systems, the system will require design and engineering plans to provide a safe and reliable working solution.
Why Choose Solar Pacific to design a Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) System ?
BIPV systems require a combination of energy conscious design and skilled engineering techniques. In addition specialist equipment and systems need to be carefully selected and specified.
Design considerations for BIPV systems must include the building's use and electrical loads, its location and orientation, the appropriate building and safety codes, and the relevant utility issues and costs.
The Solar Pacific team of engineers, architects and skilled technicians will be ready to handle your turnkey needs to provide an energy efficient solution.
What is a Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) System ?
Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is the term used to describe the integration of photovoltaics (PV) as part of the building structure.
The PV modules provide the dual function of replacing conventional building materials such as the roof with the added bonus of generating power.
By avoiding the cost of conventional materials, the incremental cost of photovoltaics is reduced and its life-cycle cost is improved.
That is, BIPV systems often have lower overall costs than PV systems requiring separate, dedicated, mounting systems.
A complete
BIPV system
includes
:
| PV modules integrated as part of the building (these can be thin-film or crystalline, transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque); |
| a charge controller, to regulate the power into and out of the battery storage bank (in stand-alone systems); |
| a power storage system, generally comprised of the utility grid in utility-interactive systems or, a number of batteries in stand-alone systems; |
| power conversion equipment including an inverter to convert the PV modules' DC output to AC compatible with the utility grid; |
| backup power supplies
such as
diesel generators (optional-typically employed in stand-alone systems); |
| appropriate support and mounting hardware, wiring, and safety disconnects. |