Fig. 1.

3 Cumulative installed PV capacity in the reporting coun-

tries to the IEA PVPS Programme for the years 1992 to 2007. The
PV capacity is made up of grid-connected and off-grid (stand
alone) installations. The addition for 2007 was 2300MWP, a
growth of 40% from 2006.
Source: www.iea-pups.org

Fig. 1.4 Entrance to the Solar Office at Doxford International

Business Park (UK), 73kWP PV array, as an example of a building-
integrated PV installation.
Photo courtesy: Schüco International KG

Fig. 1.5 20kWP array on the roof of an office building in Berlin

(D), as an example of a roof-mounted PV installation.
Photo courtesy: Schüco International KG

9000
1.4 Building integrated PV
Cumulative Installed PV Power [MWP]

8000

7000 grid-connected In a lay-on or additive solution, PV modules are secured to a roof or onto
6000
a façade using a metal structure. The PV system is an additional structural
5000
element with the sole function of generating energy.
4000
off-grid In contrast, building-integrated PV (BIPV), the subject of this handbook,
3000
refers to the application of PV in which the system, as well as having
2000
the function of producing electricity, also takes on the role of a building
1000
element.
0
BIPV has a low penetration in the overall PV market. For example, the pro-
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year
portions by generation capacity for Germany in 2004 were 70% ground
mounted and 29% roof mounted with BIPV at only 1%. Nevertheless PV tech-
nology is mature and the cost/performance balance is steadily improving.
Integration into buildings should be encouraged beyond just demonstra-
tion or educational projects.
One aspect still to address is dissemination of PV design possibilities within
design teams. Through this handbook we aim to present PV, not as an alien
technology, but as an alternative to metal cladding or standard curtain
walling. Our goal is to help designers to consider PV modules as an attrac-
tive alternative to other cladding materials, with its particular image and
requirements.
More than just providing electrical energy, BIPV can enhance and satisfy a
building image. BIPV makes a statement about innovative architectural as
well as engineering design.

1. INTRODUCTION 11