BiPV Guide for Architects
BiPV Guide for Architects
BiPV Projects
1
2
Preface
3
4
Contents
1. What is BiPV ? 4
2. Design potential 5
2.1. Technologies 5
2.2 Efficiency and yield 6
2.3 Module design 7
5
1.
What is BiPV ?
The terms component-integrated and In principle, BiPV can be used in all parts
building-integrated photovoltaics (BiPV) of the building envelope. Although roof
refer to the concept of integrating surfaces are the preferred area for in-
photovoltaic elements into the building stalling PV elements due to their advan-
envelope, establishing a symbiotic tageous irradiation values, façades also
re-lationship between the architectural offer enormous potential.
design, functional properties and eco-
nomic regenerative energy conversion. The ratio of façade surface area to roof
surface area increases along with the
The photovoltaic modules (PV modules) building height. In addition, the available
thus replace conventional construction roof area is often reduced due to the
materials, taking over the function installation of facilities and superstructu-
that these would otherwise perform. res, which means that BiPV façades are
Although this idea is not new, it is not of particular value in high-density urban
widely harnessed due to the extensive centres.
planning and architectural challenges
currently involved.
6
2.
Design potential
With regard to the aesthetics of the 2.1.1. Crystalline silicon The size of the modules is predeter-
building, a PV module should have a mined by the size of the carrier plate and
homogeneous appearance and either Crystalline solar cells usually consist of is only rarely broken into smaller seg-
blend subordinately into the overall approximately 15 × 15 cm (6” × 6”) square ments. Unfortunately, because the in-
design or dominantly shape it. plates with a metallic blue or black sur- dividual cells are connected in series, it
face that is subdivided by is not possible to create special shapes.
The appearance of the PV module is silver-coloured contact grids, which However, this technology does enable
determined essentially by the type collect the current. Special anti-reflec- a constant level of transparency to be
of technology used in the PV cell and tive coatings can be applied to create created across a surface by the selective
by the design possibilities offered by other metallic shades. removal of film in individual areas.
the selection of materials used in the
module. Modules are created by connecting sev- 2.1.3. Odersun CISCuT
eral silicon cells to form larger strings.
2.1. Technologies The light transmission through the mod- A narrow copper strip, over a kilometre
ules can be adjusted by altering the in length, serves as the carrier and
The PV market, as an innovative and spacing between the cells. Since the size contact material for a micrometre-thick
rapidly growing market, offers a wide of the cells is not variable, any change solar cell. This cell can be cut to any
range of different technologies. Gener- in the module size leads to a change in length and the cell stripes are connected
ally, these can be divided into two main the light transmittance or to a subopti- together with a slight overlap, using an
groups based on the type of manufac- mal arrangement of cells. electrically conductive adhesive, to
turing technology, namely crystalline form a string. The surface colour ranges
cells and thin-film cells. The approach 2.1.2. Traditional thin-film from graphite grey to black and does
adopted for Odersun’s CISCuT solar not require a visible contact grid.
cells, however, results in an architectur- Thin-film modules consist of a semicon-
ally interesting solution that unites ductor, just a few micrometres thick, An individual string or several individu-
the design benefits of both of these typically deposited on a carrier of thin al strings of various sizes, the so-called
groups. non-hardened glass by means of vapour Odersun Super Cells, are connected to-
deposition. The resulting coating here- gether to form a freely definable module.
after is subdivided into individual thin li- This enables the manufacture of cus-
near cells. The cells are usually reddish tomised and project-specific module siz-
brown to black and are broken up by es and special shapes.
metallic or transparent lines.
The level of transmittance can be indi-
vidually controlled by adjusting the spac-
ing between the strings of cells.
7
2.
2.2. Efficiency and output The air mass factor represents the path Generally, the older and already highly
length of the solar radiation through developed crystalline technologies
In order to compare the different types Earth’s atmosphere. If the solar radiation still provide the highest commercially
of cell technology, the rated output of is vertical, the light takes the shortest available efficiency values, with 12 % to
each type is determined on the basis of path through the atmosphere (air mass 17 % for multicrystalline modules and
standardised measurements, usually un- = 1). If the angle of incidence is shallow- up to 20 % for monocrystalline modules.
der standard test conditions (STC). er, the path of the light through the
atmosphere is longer and the AM value The efficiency of thin-film technologies
This involves applying a light source of increases accordingly. currently lies below these values, typical-
1000 W per m² vertically to the mod- ly ranging from 5 % for amorphous
ules, at an ambient temperature of 25° The output measured under these con- silicon up to 13 % for CIS modules. With
Celsius. The spectral composition ditions determines the solar element’s maximum efficiency values of approxi-
of the light is 1.5 AM (air mass) for the rated module output that the manufac- mately 20 %, current research promises
purpose of this measurement. turer is obliged to state. The ratio of the further optimisation of the yield per
applied radiation (1000 W/m²) to the unit area of solar elements, particularly
measured values gives the efficiency of in the field of CIS technologies.
the solar module.
8
Design potential
9
2.
match the existing building, since the en- ⋅⋅ The application of a coloured film
tire range of RAL colours is available. (low resistance)
⋅⋅ Anti-reflective coatings.
10
Design potential
Fig. 4 Pliable CISCuT cells (Odersun) Fig. 5 Electrical contacts between mono- Fig. 6 Electrical contacts between CISCuT cells
crystalline cells (Odersun)
Provided there are no process-related The pliability and flexibility of solar cells Electrically conductive contacts are re-
limits to the range of possible glazing- depends on the materials used, the sub- quired to connect the individual cells and
types, all available quality grades and strates and the thickness of the cells. Super Cells within the module. Often,
types of glass can be used for solar mod- Various technologies can produce pliab- these are made of conductive materials
ules. This means that the structural and le solutions when they are based on such as copper and significantly affect
safety requirements for specific types metal or film. Tight bending radii are the appearance of the module.
of application can be met by using tough- possible if thin-film technologies such
ened glass or different thicknesses of as amorphous silicon or CIS are depos- Depending on the type of technology
glazing. ited on flexible metal or synthetic sub- used, however, these electrical contacts
strates. Due to the thickness of the cells, can be made invisible if required. → Fig. 5, 6
To ensure optimum yield, the cover glass crystalline cells, on the other hand, are
should preferably be white glass with low much more limited since they are brittle
iron oxide content and high transmission. and porous.
The lower iron oxide content also reduc-
es the typical greenish tint of the glazing. Mechanically flexible solutions are al-
ready available from some manufac-
The yield of a solar module can also be turers for specialist applications such
increased by using structured glass for the as roof sheets, but only in fixed sizes.
cover glass. The surface of the structured
glass is made up of wave-shaped, rounded Module layers made of glazing that al-
depressions that act as light traps. Some lows cold bending of the module are
of the radiation that would normally be proving to be more stable in the long
reflected into the environment and lost is term and to offer more variation in size.
directed back into the cell. This increases Either very thin and malleable glazing
the amount of incident radiation and can can be used or the glazing can be held in
increase the output of the solar modules form using special fixing systems.
by up to 3 %. From an architectural point Hot bending of the solar modules is not
of view, however, the fascination of this possible due to the high temperatures
type of glazing lies in its matt appearance required. → Fig. 4
and non-reflective surface. → Fig. 3
11
3.
BiPV design guidelines
Pfosten-Riegel
Punkthalter
4m
Successful building-inte- In the case of complex install- The product specifications Close cooperation be- Partner companies in-
grated PV solutions are ation situations, the BiPV manu- are determined coopera- tween the BiPV manu- stall the customised solar
taken into account in even facture provides advice regard- tively and the interfaces are facturer and the other ser- modules on site. The
the preliminary planning ing the possibilities for project- defined. A detailed calcula- vice providers involved quality of the individual
and design stages of specific module designs. Sup- tion of the yield from the in the project ensures the solar modules is assured
a project so that project- port is also given to the electri- PV system can be made. development of a preci- by means of guarantees.
specific characteristics cal engineer with regard to the sely tailored product that
can be considered at an design of the electrical instal- meets all the specific
early stage. lations for the BiPV system. requirements.
Parties involved Parties involved Parties involved Parties involved Parties involved
⋅⋅ BiPV manufacturer ⋅⋅ BiPV manufacturer ⋅⋅ BiPV manufacturer ⋅⋅ BiPV manufacturer ⋅⋅ BiPV manufacturer
⋅⋅ Architect ⋅⋅ Architect ⋅⋅ Architect ⋅⋅ Architect ⋅⋅ Architect
⋅⋅ Project manager ⋅⋅ Project manager ⋅⋅ Façade contractor ⋅⋅ Façade contractor
⋅⋅ Structural engineer ⋅⋅ Electrical engineer ⋅⋅ Electrical engineer
⋅⋅ Electrical engineer ⋅⋅ Structural engineer
⋅⋅ B uilding shell design
engineer
Fig. 7 Project stages
The design of a BiPV system can often to take these elements into consideration As a basic principle, however, the steps
be a complex process. This stands to rea- at an early stage in the planning process and questions described in more detail
son, since it is necessary to reach a con- in order to achieve electrically and ar- below should be observed in the plan-
sensus between optimum operating chitecturally optimised systems. Particu- ning phase and should be reflected in the
conditions for the photovoltaic system, lar attention must also be paid to the design and implementation:
the architectural context, economic con- planning processes and to the allocation
of responsibilities before and beyond ⋅⋅ Design strategy
siderations and building regulation re-
quirements. project completion. The planning, design ⋅⋅ Environmental variables
and implementation of a building-inte- ⋅⋅ Multifunctionality
The supposedly definitive rated output grated system require the cooperation of
⋅⋅ Construction system and
data for the PV modules, which is based several different trades, such as electrical
installation situation
on standardised measurements, is of installation and façade construction spe-
cialists, which would traditionally have ⋅⋅ Glass layer structures
only limited relevance here.
very little overlap during the detailed de- ⋅⋅ Module design
the requirements of the project, and vided by the different trades are precisely
defined and demarcated. → Fig. 7
12
BiPV design guidelines
3.1. Design strategies Photovoltaic systems can be integrat- The integration of PV systems in exist-
ed in various ways. Depending on the ing or even protected buildings presents
The use of renewable energy sources in desired appearance, various strategies a particular challenge, since the surfac-
architecture is by no means a new con- are employed in practice that can in- es available for PV integration are often
cept, but it has become more topical fluence the overall effect of the building. very limited.
recently, particularly as architects, prop- Common strategies include:
erty developers and building users be- Comprehensive information on this sub-
come more inclined to consider issues of ⋅⋅ Adjustment ject can be found in the leaflet “PV im
resource conservation. ⋅⋅ Contrast Denkmalschutz” (PV in listed buildings)
13
3.
the horizontal receive the maximum power losses associated with transport
possible solar radiation. However, slight and storage.
deviations in angle, between 20° and
45°, and slight displacements to the east
or west often result in only minor losses
in radiation.
14
BiPV design guidelines
5000
4800
4600
4000
Fig. 9 CIS modules start to generate electricity earlier in the morning and Fig. 10 CIS modules get the maximum benefit from every installed Watt of
continue later into the evening, and perform more stably at higher generating capacity. (Source: IPE University Stuttgart 2010)
temperatures than crystalline types of module. Graph shows accumulated yield in kWh.
15
3.
3.2.3. Shading
Mornings Midday Afternoons
16
BiPV design guidelines
If the PV modules heat up, a reduction Due to their mechanical module struc- Since BiPV modules can be structured
in output is inevitable. The output loss- tures, PV modules can perform the func- in many different ways, there is a cor-
es vary depending on the type of cell tions of the building envelope in addition respondingly large variety of possible
technology used. The losses from silicon to their main function of silent and emis- applications for the integration of PV
cells are approximately 0.5 % per Kelvin, sion-free energy conversion, and can systems in and on buildings. PV cells
which can sometimes equate to twice thus replace conventional construction can be incorporated into just about any
the amount lost by thin-film modules. materials. glass layer structure, so that even walk-
on glazing and thermal insulation glazing
This effect must be taken into account, The extent of this functionality is de- systems are possible. Examples of pos-
since the standard output measurement termined by the design of the module sible applications include:
for solar modules is taken at 25°C, structure, which in turn defines the tech-
whereas additional 55°C can be expected nical, economic and architectural de- ⋅⋅ Solar protection fins and louvres
in the case of façades that have no rear sign aspects. The silent, emission-free ⋅⋅ Sun protection panels and canopies
ventilation. From a yield point of view, conversion of energy, however, is the ⋅⋅ Façade cladding for curtain façades
therefore, it would be expedient to in- defining characteristic of photovoltaic and rear-ventilated façades
crease the rear-ventilation dimensions in systems.
⋅⋅ Double façades
order to keep the module temperature
as low as possible. By taking on further functions, solar ⋅⋅ Semi-transparent window areas
17
3.
The PV cells provide sun protection Depending on their thickness, the multi- PV modules can reflect or attenuate
in a similar way to screening, acting as layer glass structures of PV modules can sound depending on their construction.
opaque elements or providing the be used to provide thermal insulation. For this reason, they can also be used
desired degree of semi-transparency In addition, most solar modules can also as sound protection elements. PV fa-
in accordance with a targeted design. be integrated into insulation glazing çades or roof elements already possess
structures or used as alternative front sound insulating properties thanks to
Energy conversion and shielding cladding for curtain insulation elements. their multi-layer structure, and the mod-
ule design can be adapted to meet spe-
A possible special application for PV Weather protection cific local requirements regarding sound
systems could be the reception and insulation. The sound reduction index
transmission of high-frequency signals, In general, the mechanical structure can be adjusted by increasing the thick-
as a repeater antenna for mobile phone of PV modules always provides weath- ness of the glazing and by using asyn-
systems, for example. Alternatively, er protection - if only for the purpose of chronous cover layers and specific inter-
the metallic semiconductor layer can protecting the solar cells against weath- mediate layers.
also act as a shield against electro- er influences. With the correct choice
magnetic radiation. of cover glazing layers or films in com-
bination with the building-integration
Architectural design element mounting system, PV modules can pro-
vide rain-proofing, wind-proofing, wind
The wide range of designs of PV mod- load resistance and ageing resistance.
ules makes it possible to use them as
architectural design elements, which can
be taken into account and systematically
managed during the planning stage.
18
BiPV design guidelines
3.4.1. Mounting systems
Mullion-transom façades
→ Fig. 13, 14
ised solar modules are usually required. Furthermore, SSG façades have no ex-
“warm” or thermally insulating façades. that shading and dirt traps are avoided.
19
3.
Fig. 17 Drilled spot fitting Fig. 19 Clamp fixings Fig. 21 Undercut anchor fixing system
Fig. 18 Drilled spot fitting, Fig. 20 Clamp fixings, Fig. 22 Undercut anchor fixing system,
axonometric view axonometric view axonometric view
20
BiPV design guidelines
Fig. 23 Ventilated curtain wall system, Fig. 24 Ventilated curtain wall system Fig. 25 Photovoltaics in combination with stone
axonometric view and glass (Lithodecor, Airtec system for
ventilated curtain wall façades)
Undercut anchor fixings 3.4.2. Ventilated curtain wall systems Many different types of material, such
→ Fig. 21, 22 as plaster, ceramic tiles, bricks, glass or
The function of the cladding of ventilat- metal can be used for this kind of con-
Undercut anchor fixings are mechanical ed curtain wall systems) is to provide struction. Façades can thus be created
point-fixings that remain invisible, since weather protection and to serve as an using a wide variety of material combi-
the glass is not drilled right through. architectural design element. This outer nations together with PV modules.
This allows more efficient use of the cladding is fixed to a rear load-bearing Above all, ventilated curtain wall systems
PV surface area. These fixings generate wall using a fixing system (agraffes and/ are taken into consideration in energy-
higher stresses due the reduced con- or rails). efficient façade renovation projects. →
tact area of their cylindro-conical drilled Fig. 23, 24, 25
holes, which means that toughened A layer of air between the load-bearing
glass, semi-tempered glass or laminated wall (or the insulation layer attached to
safety glass must be used. it) and the building envelope ventilates
the solar modules from the rear and can
be used for laying electrical components
and sockets.
21
3.
The demands made of façade systems Solar modules installed at an angle Due to the type of use, walk-on glaz-
vary according to the type of fixing greater than 10° are classified as over- ing is at greater risk of being damaged
system and installation situation. head units and must comply with more by knocks. Its stability and fitness for
stringent requirements. As a rule, lami- use must be demonstrated by means of
The following information refers to nated safety glass with a PVB inter- structural analysis if unfavourable load-
German rules and regulations. mediate film should be used as stand- ing conditions apply (1.5 kN individual
ard. Solar modules that have cells within loading, 3.5 kN/m² traffic loading). Only
Vertical glazing the intermediate film or have an inter- laminated safety glass with at least three
mediate film made of EVA are classified layers may be used. The topmost lay-
All solar modules set at an angle of in the Building Rules List as laminated er must be thicker than 10 mm and be
less than 10° to the vertical are classi- glass and not as laminated safety glass made of toughened or semi-tempered
fied as vertical glazing. Standard in- and therefore require product-specific glass. The bottom layers must be thicker
stallation situations are described in building permission (Allgemeine bau- than 12 mm and be made of float glass
the TRAV (Technical rules for the use aufsichtliche Zulassung, AbZ) or project- or semi-tempered glass.
of fall-proof glazing) and TRPV (Tech- specific building permission (Zulassung
nical rules for point-supported glazing) im Einzelfall, ZiE). Step-on glazing
guidelines. Hitherto, solar modules made
of toughened glass were often consid- Step-on glazing is usually only intended
ered to meet the requirements although to support loading during maintenance or
the module structures do not corre- cleaning by one person at a time and
spond to the standard types in accord- must be made of laminated safety glass
ance with the requirements of Building panes with at least two individual sheets.
Rules List A.
If trafficked areas beneath step-on glaz-
ing are not sealed off while the glazing
is being walked on (see the FKG trade
association leaflet on step-on glazing:
“Betretbare Verglasung”), this glazing is
then classified as overhead glazing.
22
BiPV design guidelines
3.5.2. PV thermal insulation glazing rear side and a usually thinner glass
→ Fig. 29 3.5.4. Glass-film-PV modules cover sheet. If toughened glass is
→ Fig. 26 used for the cover glass and if the
For the integration of solar modules thickness complies with the structural
in transparent façades or roofs behind Glass-film modules are typically avail- requirements, then glass-film modules
which lie heated rooms, the use of able as standard solar modules and can also be used for building integration.
PV thermal insulation glazing is a have the advantage of very low module Indeed, glass-film laminates have already
standard requirement. Both crystalline weight, as a result of their combination been approved many times for use in
and thin-film solar cells are suitable of a lightweight synthetic film on the overhead situations.
23
3.
films Tedlar
cable length
cross-section
frame frameless
aluminium, anodized
Fixing mullion-transom
structural glazing
point-fixed system
24
BiPV design guidelines
→ w ww.solarmodule-designer.odersun.com
25
3.
3.7. Electrical system
Solar generator
In a PV plant, several PV modules are
usually connected together in a string
to form the actual solar generator.
This solar generator generates a direct
current, which is fed to an inverter.
Here the direct current is converted to import meter
alternating current. Provided that it is Feed-in meter
grid
not consumed or stored directly on Inverter
27
3.
28
BiPV design guidelines
Rear-ventilated curtain
3.8. Economic aspects façade with no PV 300 €
29
9
07
9
V 1
V) e 2
V e2
2
00
il -
)1
(E ne
20
Bu
)2
n E in
n E in
in
19 4
g li
nE
84
(E l
(E l
r- el
g 8
u n ide
g ide
of
u n 19
n g id
01 a d i
dn u
un u
nu u
)2 s u
ce
ro G
dn G
V ein G
dn n
an
o r io
e
p
ve on
or n
rd n
n E ie n
de
om
2
e r at
e r t io
ro io
(E erg tio
m
r
s e
äu
ar ti
G g
s
z v ul
ve t
om
r
s in
au
H
sp p
ar p
ar p
n g En p
a n rd
eb
fo
rd
ut g
3.
he ild
i n um
sp m
sp m
n u g um
BiPV design guidelines
H
63%
gy
ch e
st a
da
7 pt
au
r
H
i n su
i n su
11,1 pt
lic u
es R
u s nd
Pe
n
v
m lB
er
ee s
rd u n s
in
gy
m ng
gi n
ee n
ee n
ro i e r on
e-
ha ta
ew
m na
En
gy
er Co
gi o
gi Co
er
gi
iv S
ä r vi
ve e l l C
5,5 pt
kö i o
G
er
er
8,75 pt
En
W a
s
ss e
e-
er nt
En y
er y
er y
ov y
2. S
lu
En
P a siv
En
1 . rg
En g
En g
N rg
gi
H ve
rp
t
er
er
l-
er
ea
r
on
ul
EU
En
En
En
En
Ze
Su
Pa
En
H
N
C
e
e
e
ire r-
iv
In particular, the combination of clean
lin
lin
lin
lin
D Pe
ct
de
de
de
de
gs y
in rg
ui
ui
ui
ui
G
G
G
n
il d n e
sources of electricity, energy-efficient
t io
g
e
n
n
Bu U E
in
om
io
io
io
io
la
e
ld
pt
pt
pt
pt
m
gu
H
of E
rd
ui
o
lB
gy
Re
da
ce 2 0
H
devices and the expedient management
su
su
su
su
er
na
an
gy
an 2 0
g
on
on
on
on
En
in
io
St
er
rm /
C
C
av
nt
En 0 9
H 98 4
En 07
fo 018
En 95
En 012
En
s
e
gy
gy
gy
gy
tS
lu
ve
iv
of electricity demands presents the po-
20
20
19
ro
rp
er
er
er
er
ss
on
2
1
ea
Ze
Su
Pa
C
tential for further savings in the energy 100 kWh/m²/a
in the future.
-100 kWh/m²/a
-200 kWh/m²/a
This is also taken into account by the
-300 kWh/m²/a
German legislature, which allows the
electricity supplied to the building by the Heating Supporting energy and water heating Consumer energy Produced energy
BiPV system to be included in the cal-
Fig. 38 Increasing requirements of the energy standards
culations required by the German Energy
Conservation Regulations (EnEV). Con-
sequently, it may be possible to dispense
with other alternative measures that may Own consumption 3.8.4. Funding programmes
have been proposed for optimising the
building’s energy consumption. → Fig .38 In accordance with Article 33 of the To assist with the financing of BiPV
German Renewable Energy Sources Act systems, funding programmes are also
3.8.3. Feed-in tariff (EEG), remuneration is also paid for available from the Kreditanstalt für
the electricity consumed directly by the Wiederaufbau (KfW) development bank.
The German Renewable Energy Sources plant owner. Since the electricity ge-
Act (EEG) provides for the 20-year obli- nerated by a plant can be partially or The “Renewable Energies” and
gation of local energy supply companies wholly used directly on site (own con- “Generating Solar Electricity” devel-
to purchase and provide remuneration sumption or self consumption), the opment loan schemes are available,
for electricity generated by PV systems. amount of remuneration is dependent for example, depending on the suitability
This type of remuneration for photo- on the proportion of solar electricity of the photovoltaic systems. These
voltaic energy is paid in cents per kilo- directly consumed. To be eligible schemes provide loans covering up to
watt-hour and depends on the date of for this type of remuneration, the elec- 100 % of the eligible net investment
commissioning and the size of the plant. tricity consumed must be used in the costs for the installation, purchase
The standard tariff paid for solar elec- immediate vicinity of the solar plant and or extension of PV systems. It is also
tricity on the day that the plant is com- the plant must have an output of no possible to combine these loans with
missioned is paid at this same rate for a more than 500 kWp. other funding programmes. The total
period of 20 years, independently of any of all the subsidies received must never
subsequent periodic reductions in the The German system of feed-in tariffs exceed your total construction costs,
feed-in tariff. has now been adopted in other Europe- however.
an countries. In contrast to Germany,
however, some countries pay higher tar- The KfW development bank also offers
iffs for electricity generated by build- special credit terms for the construction
ing-integrated systems in an attempt to of new low-energy houses as well as
encourage the use of aesthetic systems subsidies for energy-saving renovation
and systems that produce energy at measures in existing buildings. Up to
the point of use. 100 % funding can be provided in this
case.
30
We look forward to receiving your
comments and suggestions on this
first version of our design guidelines,
which we are continuously expanding
and which we are pleased to be able to
present to you for use as a tool and a
source of ideas.
Publisher:
Odersun AG
Im Technologiepark 6
15236 Frankfurt/Oder, Germany
Tel.: + 49 (0) 335 56 33-120
Fax: + 49 (0) 335 56 33-150
www.odersun.com
sales@odersun.de