Page at a glance Dual function - as building envelope and power generator Interfaced with the utility grid - to save cost

How it works
In Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), the PV modules serve the dual function of building skin-replacing conventional building envelope materials-and as a power generator. By avoiding the cost of conventional materials, the incremental cost of photovoltaics is reduced and its life-cycle cost is improved. Thus, BIPV systems often have lower overall costs than PV systems requiring separate, dedicated, mounting systems.

A complete BIPV system includes: The PV modules (which might 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.

BIPV systems can either be interfaced with the available utility grid or they may be designed as stand-alone, off-grid systems. The benefits of power production at the point of use include

Savings to the utility in the losses associated with transmission and distribution (known as 'grid support') Savings to the consumer through lower electric bills because of peak saving (matching peak production with periods of peak demand) Buildings that produce power using renewable energy sources reduce the demands on traditional utility generators Reduction in the overall emissions of climate-changing gasses