icon corrdinator
Coordinator: Stefano Avesani Eurac Research
icon corrdinator
Manager: Gloria Peasso Eurac Research
infiniteproject@eurac.edu

New study on hidden colored Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) 

In the promotion of zero energy or positive building, on-site production from renewable energy plays a pivotal role and building integrating photovoltaics (BIPV) constitute a valuable solution to integrate PV technologies in the building envelope. 

One of the most challenging aspects to be considered in designing BIPV installations, is their aesthetic integration in the building and its surrounding. In this context, having BIPV products that can match the architectural language and composition of existing buildings, represents a clear advantage. In particular, the introduction of colored BIPV modules has been instrumental for increasing BIPV installations and their social acceptance.  

A recent study by Eurac Research, SUNAGE and the Department of Energy of Politecnico di Milano, showcases the possibilities for integrating PV in the building envelope, focusing on the technological solutions for introducing colors in BIPV modules and discussing the design challenges for colored BIPV integration in the building stock. 

The study identifies the three main characteristic that are crucial for a better design

  1. the shape and dimension; 
  1. the color, which affects the modules’ efficiency; 
  1. the finishing, which influences the modules’ reflectance. 

These features and the challenges for the integration of BIPV systems in the envelope are highlighted by providing exemplary case studies. One of the most important challenges will be the balance between the industrialization and customization aspects, to make BIPV technologies more competitive and profitable. 

The study was presented at EuroSun 2022, ISES and IEA SHC International Conference on Solar Energy for Buildings and Industry, which took place between the 25 and 29 September 2022 in Kassel, Germany. 

Read the poster presented during the conference.

Interested in innovative BIPV solutions?

Photo by Joel Filip from Unsplash

RELATED NEWS


PV Pergola – Combining energy, nature and recreational space

Together with students from the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, the concept of PV Pergola has been developed further with the design of practical solutions to combine greenery and photovoltaics.

Retrofit to achieve the nZEB target: a first look into demo case designs.

A first look into the design of the demo cases and the prefabricated renovation technologies for the retrofit of buildings, aiming at reaching the nZEB target.

Mock-up kits up and running at Eurac Research labs

After an intense period dedicated to the design of the technical components, full-scale mock-ups of INFINITE kits have recently been installed at Eurac Research outdoor labs to test their overall aesthetic appearance and gain a better understanding of the interaction among kits on the same façade.

See all news