Making Solar Power Look Better

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Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) combines the dual benefits of sunlight generated solar electric power with the design of building architecture and functionality.
When most people think of solar power systems, they picture rows of dark blue, aluminum framed rectangular panels on a rooftop.  Building integrated photovoltaics allow homeowners, businesses and municipalities to add the benefits of generating solar power without sacrificing a lot in the building’s overall architectural design.

When integrated with a building’s architecture, not only does it make the solar power system look better, many products add another level of functionality beyond generating power.  Photovoltaic shingles protect from the elements like rain and snow.  Vertically installed panels can be used as a building enclosure and diffuse heat causing sunlight entering the building, further reducing cooling costs.

Step 1:

Starting from the top, thin film laminated solar panels are installed directly onto metal roofing material.  Since it rolls out like carpeting and lays flat on the metal roofing substrate, it blends right into the architectural slope of the roof.  There are also photovoltaic solar shingles available that look just like the architectural shingles found on residential homes.  The shingles are installed onto roof sections according to the best orientation of daily sun exposure for maximum efficiency.  The remaining roof area can be covered in conventional roofing materials.

The downside to these types of solar power systems is that they currently produce less electricity per square foot of installed material compared to conventional solar panels.

Step 2:

Next, crystalline solar modules laminated between two layers of glass can be spaced for use in building facades, curtain walls and skylight systems.   Not only does this application act as part of the building enclosure and protect from the outside environment, it creates a custom daylighting effect inside the building using available glazing technology, without disrupting the building’s architecture.

Depending on the users design preference and climate control needs, these can be custom installed to allow more light and sunlight generated heat into geographical areas with colder climates or less sunlight into environments desiring a cooler indoor climate.  Either strategy would offer additional energy savings on heating and cooling costs.

Step 3:

Next, there is also the option of using photovoltaic solar canopy systems or detached open structure applications like carports and bus stops.  This strategy would function as a covered waiting or parking area, provide shade and shelter from the elements while also producing electricity.  On a smaller scale, conventional and thin film solar panels can be used as solar awnings on residential homes and small commercial business entrances and windows.

The system wiring and connections are hidden from view as they are channeled through the system’s support structure or run underground.

Standard solar panels can function as a building integrated solar canopy systems, however, true building integrated systems that use custom glazing and panel colors are a lot more visually appealing.  Depending on the effect created, these systems may not even look like solar panels.

Visit the US Dept. of Energy for more information on photovoltaics.
Quick Tips:
Grid-tie system – The solar power system is connected to the utility panel and sends any unused solar power generated by the building back to the grid and creates a corresponding credit for energy used from the local utility. This is called “net-metering.”
Off-grid system – The solar power generated by this type of system is not connected to the utility grid. Instead, the power is used to power stand alone systems like lighting and security or stored via batteries for use when the system is not generating its own power.
Useful Links:
Altantech Solar

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