In the past, solar panels were often an afterthought to new and existing buildings. That has changed with the introduction of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) building materials.
BIPV is the integration of solar technology into building materials & components, including roofs, windows, facades, & walls. With BIPV, glass, angled roofs, and outer coverings can generate electricity and fulfill their traditional "building envelope" functions.
Even though BIPV is relatively new, it's clear that it will be a significant upgrade for building design. Early uses of BIPV modules show the potential of how solar panels can blend into various parts of a building, such as facades, coverings, glass panels, and shingled roofs. The days of sacrificing architectural designs to accommodate solar panels will be a part of the past.
Several impressive buildings worldwide demonstrate what BIPV modules can achieve. As the technology advances and becomes more widespread, BIPV modules will become more affordable, making them a practical choice for a broader range of properties.
Terra, The Sustainability Pavilion (Dubai Expo 2020)
Designed with nearly 5,000 BIPV modules
Generates 4 Gigawatt Hours (GWh) of electricity per year
Image Source: Expo 2000
Bell Works (the former Bell Labs building in Holmdel, NJ)
Largest Photovoltaic skylight in United States, 60,000 Square Feet
Generates 250,000 Kilowatt Hours (kWh) per year
Source: Onyx Solar
Google HQ (Mountain View, CA) Dragonscale BIPV Solar System
90,000 BIPV modules
Generates 13 Gigawatt Hours (GWh) of electricity per year
Source: Google Blog
Frank Lloyd Wright's famous quote, "Form and function are one," applies to including solar as part of contemporary building designs. The best-designed buildings will include solar technologies without the design and space limitations that architects faced in the past. With this advancement, adding solar will no longer require sacrificing aesthetics.
"Frank Lloyd Wright's famous quote, "Form and function are one," applies to including solar as part of contemporary building designs."
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