What to Consider When Integrating Photovoltaics into Building Facades
When considering building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), the potential is clear: making the building envelope an active part of a building's energy strategy. Yet specifying these systems can be difficult when the process is unfamiliar. How much electricity can a facade generate? What will the system cost? Which orientations and areas are suitable? And how should the photovoltaic panels be integrated with the building's structural, electrical, and fire-safety requirements? Without clear answers, assessing feasibility, establishing budgets, and involving consultants and contractors can become difficult.
