Building-Integrated Solar Panels: How They Turn Walls and Windows into Clean Energy Generators?

The building-integrated solar panels are a new and smarter way to use solar power. These are designed to be built into the structure of the buildings. This technology is replacing conventional building materials, such as tiles, glass, or facades, and transforming the way buildings generate and consume energy. It generates electricity without requiring any additional space. This article provides a detailed explanation of how building-integrated solar panels transform walls and windows into power sources, their operational principles, and includes several case studies. Read it to know whether building-integrated solar panels are right for you or not.

What Are Building-Integrated Solar Panels?

Building-integrated solar panels, also known as Building-integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), are solar panels that are integrated into a building’s structure. These are a part of the building itself. Instead of adding conventional building materials like glass, roof tiles, facades, etc., and installing solar panels on the rooftop of buildings, the BIPV products are built into the structure.

The most remarkable aspect of building-integrated solar panels is that they become an integral part of the building’s structure, such as windows, roof, walls, and skylights, while also generating electricity. The BIPV works like the traditional solar panels; the only difference is how and where they are used.

The building-integrated solar panels are used in modern homes, commercial buildings, educational institutions, and shopping centers.

Types of building-integrated solar panels include

1. Solar roof tiles: Roof tiles that generate power.

2. Solar facades: These are installed on outer walls.

3. Solar windows: Transparent or semi-transparent PV glass used in skylights and windows.

4. Canopies and awnings: These are a combination of shade and an energy production system, usually installed in walkways or balconies.

How Do Building-Integrated Solar Panels Work?

1. Capturing Sunlight:

When sunlight falls on the BIPV surface, which includes roofing tiles, glass windows, wall cladding, and skylight, the photons strike the solar cells. These cells are made from monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or thin-film technology. The horizontal surfaces, such as roofs, get direct sunlight. However, the vertical walls that do not get much sunlight may use optimized panels.

2. Generation of Direct Current (DC) Electricity:

When the sunlight strikes the solar panel, it triggers an electrical reaction inside the photovoltaic cells. This process is known as the photovoltaic effect. This generated direct current (DC). Each BIPV module has multiple PV cells that enhance its electricity generation capacity.

3. Conversion from DC to AC

Most of the residential buildings, commercial, and industrial sectors use alternating current (AC), not DC. So, the direct current generated by PV cells is sent to the inverter, which converts the DC power to AC power. The AC power is then used to run various appliances in the buildings.

4. Electricity Usage, Storage, and Transmission to the Grid

Once the DC is converted to AC, it is mainly used for 3 purposes. It is immediately used to power devices and equipment in the building. If the generated power is more than the consumption, it is stored in storage systems like batteries to use it on cloudy days or at night. In case of excess power generation, the power can be sent back to the utility grid.

Advantages of Building-Integrated Solar Panels

1. Aesthetics:

The building-integrated solar panels, such as solar roof tiles, glass-based PVs, and transparent PV, blend smoothly into the architecture, enhancing the aesthetics of a house. Its design flexibility gives a modern and classy look to the house.

2. Dual Functionality:

The BIPV is used for dual purposes, i.e., a building material replacement and for power generation. It reduces material cost and optimizes space.

3. No Extra Space

The traditional solar panels are mounted on the roofs or open space, whereas building-integrated solar panels are a part of the building structure. They don’t require any extra mounting space.

4. Lower Long-term Cost

The installation of BIPV reduces monthly utility bills and requires fewer maintenance costs over time. In the U.S., BIPV users can also qualify for federal solar tax credits and local rebates. This makes the return on investment even stronger.

5. Improves Energy Efficiency:

With building-integrated solar panels, there is less energy loss from wiring or power transmission. The insulated PV glass also helps with heat control, natural lighting, and building insulation, which improves the overall efficiency of the building.

6. Environmental Sustainability:

The energy generated through solar panels reduces dependence on fossil fuels. It helps reduce a building’s carbon footprint and supports net-zero energy building goals.

7. Durability:

The building-integrated solar panels are weather-resistant, waterproof, and built to last for decades. They require minimal cleaning and can last for 25 to 30 years.

Case Studies

1. Case Study 1: TATA Power Solar Factory (Bangalore, India)

In this project, the solar module manufacturing unit incorporates a solar facade using polycrystalline BIPV glass panels with an installation capacity of 120 kW. Its building facade serves as both cladding and a solar generator. Thus, it generates 160,000 units of electricity per year.

Reference: TATA Power Solar

2. Case Study 2: Zero-Energy School (Copenhagen, Denmark)

In the International School Nordhavn, the BIPV panels are installed on walls, rooftops, and windows, with an installation capacity of 40 kW. It uses semi-transparent PV glass in skylights and a solar façade in external cladding. It generates more energy than it consumes annually.

Reference: An almost zero-energy building in Denmark

Are Building-Integrated Solar Panels Right for You?

Are you planning to build a new house or renovate your old one?

The building-integrated solar panels are cost-effective in the case of new constructions or major upgrades. The solar panels replace the roofing tiles or wall panels and save you a lot of money. If your building is in good condition, then retrofitting with BIPV is not a good idea. It would be more expensive.

Do you care about the visual appearance of your building?

The BIPV offers a classy and modern look to the infrastructure. It is ideal for commercial buildings, showrooms, and high-end residential properties. So, if you value visual appeal, design, and appearance matters, then BIPV is an excellent option for you.

Limited Roof Space?

The traditional solar panel installation is not practical in the case of urban buildings and high-rise structures. SO, if your roof space is limited or you have tight plots, building-integrated solar panels are an ideal option for you to generate clean energy.

Do you have a high budget?

The BIPV installation needs a higher upfront cost due to its custom-designed materials and specialized installation. However, it also replaces other building materials, which balances out the cost. So, if your budget is high, then go for the BIPV.

Are you looking for Long-term benefits?

The estimated life span of a building-integrated solar panel is 25 to 30 years. So, if you plan to own the building for a long period, then BPIV is an ideal option. It gives you both functional and financial returns.

Is the Green Building Goal in Your Mind?

Buildings integrated with BPIV systems often qualify for LED certification, sustainable construction standards, and net-zero energy targets.

Conclusion

Nowadays, sustainable buildings and net-zero construction are growing globally. In this situation, building-integrated solar panels will play an important role in transforming skylines into solar power plants. It is a smart, space-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing way to produce sustainable energy. It is enhancing the building’s appearance, function, and value. If you are constructing a new house or renovating your old one, then this is the right time to explore whether BIPV can be a smart part of your building strategy.

FAQs

What are the types of building-integrated solar panels?

The main types of building-integrated solar panels include solar roof tiles, solar windows, solar facades, canopies, and awnings.

2. What Are Building-Integrated Solar Panels?

Building-Integrated Solar Panels: How They Turn Walls and Windows into Clean Energy Generators?

What Are Building-Integrated Solar Panels?