Building integrated photovoltaics

Photovoltaic (PV) installations can be realized in different situations and on different scales, such as at a building level. PV installations at the building level can either be added to the building envelope, which is called building added PV (BAPV), or they can be integrated into the building envelope, called building integrated PV (BIPV). The main advantage of BIPV compared to BAPV is that it contributes to an aesthetically more acceptable result. Secondary benefits are the possible material savings, financial savings, and a contribution to the environmental consciousness impression of the building owner or occupant. To reach a successful large-scale realization of BIPV projects, the building process has to be adapted to the implementation of BIPV. Tools such as a rating framework for BIPV-ness, 3D mapping, an effective framework of legislation and regulations, financing mechanisms and environmental assessment have to be improved or developed to facilitate this adaption.