Solar tiles instead of the classic roof, photovoltaic integrated in the continuous facade replacing the more traditional brick wall, but also PV shelters for the shading of infrastructure. BIPV systems are in full evolution. The convenience and cost of the different solutions collected by the EU SEAMLESS-PV program
The installation of Photovoltaic Integrated in roof can cost between 300 €/m² and 450 €/m²
Photovoltaics integrated in buildings and infrastructure perfectly combine energy production and technical performance. With a view to the total decarbonization of the building sector, the technological evolution of such solutions will maximize renewable production even in places difficult to convert, such as the existing buildings in historic centers, or making the most of the infrastructure areas adjacent to the buildings.
To achieve a real standardization of integrated photovoltaic IPV (Integrated photovoltaics) at the European level, was born the project SEAMLESS-PV. Through funding under Horizon Europe 2020, the project brings together research institutes and industrial actors across the entire IPV value chain to implement lightweight compound technology to be applied to buildings and infrastructure.
BIPV, photovoltaic integrated in buildings, a decarbonization key
The most interesting aspect of integrated photovoltaic systems (IPV) is certainly the ability to combine the function of energy generation with another function depending on the application, within a single product. In this way, construction and maintenance costs can be reduced and a significant environmental benefit produced. In the architectural field, we are used to seeing the integrated photovoltaic of BIPV usually as coating solutions, as shading, but also as waterproofing solutions.
The most known are the BIPV in roofing such as solar tiles, but the integration of photovoltaic in buildings can take many forms.
Photovoltaic solutions integrated in the facade in the form of a ventilated envelope or curtain walls are also increasing their diffusion.
The dual function of the BIPV (electricity generation unit and construction system) implies that an Integrated photovoltaics installation in a building shows maximum economic and environmental interest at the time of a new construction or major renovation of the building envelope. Obviously this constrains the development of the market of these solutions to these two types of interventions, however, it also allows the dual functionality of the technology with the potential to meet the criteria of thermal insulation and integration of renewable energy in the requirements nzeb (Near Zero Energy Building). In the context of the application of the obligations imposed on solar by the renewed EPBD Directive “Case green”, integrated photovoltaics will certainly play a significant part.
IIPV, PV integrated in the infrastructure
Unlike BIPV, photovoltaic solutions integrated directly into the building, IIPV allow to include solar production within the service area located in the immediate vicinity of the house. This is the case of the many car parks covered by photovoltaic roofs that in addition to shading ensure a clean energy production on site.
This kind of solutions are certainly to be considered in cases where it is impossible to install the PV directly on the building, or for lack of useful surface or for aesthetic problems.
How much does integrated photovoltaics cost?
In collecting the most innovative technological solutions, the SEAMLESS-PV project has also allowed to realize a benchmark on the costs of IPV solutions for buildings and infrastructures. Obviously the costs vary depending on the application, the size of the system, the technology of the modules, the complexity of the assembly system and aesthetics.
The SEAMLESS-PV project still tries to catalogue the interventions:
- The integrated photovoltaic BIPV roof with photovoltaic tiles has a total cost of the system between 300 €/m² and 450 €/m².
- Ventilated facades have a slightly higher total cost, mainly due to installation, with a total system expense ranging from 550 €/m² to 685 €/m².
- For curtain walls the cost is between €650/m² to €850/m².
- The photovoltaic integrated inside any residential canopy has a total cost of the system ranging from 1.7 €/kwp to 4.7 €/kwp (from 1.1 €/kwp to 3.2 €/kwp for photovoltaic integrated in commercial roofing).
As underlined by the authors of the EU SEAMLESS-PV project, the costs indicated represent the current integrated photovoltaic market, the goal of the project will also be to achieve a standardization of some products to lower installation costs.
Does integrated photovoltaics pay?
Does integrated photovoltaics pay?
According to researchers working on the project, BIPV systems will become more competitive in the residential market. This sector has the potential to exploit the integrated photovoltaic both for the total electrification of the building, significantly lowering the costs in the bill, but also to implement all-electric mobility policies that include home charging solutions. In addition, on a residential scale, BIPV systems reduce the cost of building materials, partly replaced by the integrated photovoltaic system.
The SEAMLESS-PV program has so far installed numerous BIPV and IIPV pilot projects to evaluate efficiency, some of which also in Italy.
You can view the full list of interventions HERE.
The project coordinated by FUNDACION TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION has a strong interdisciplinary approach involving 18 partners from 6 countries: TECNALIA, Mondragon Assembly, Becquerel Institute, PIZ srl, ETA Firenze energie rinnovabili, ONYX Solar, CEA, BECSA, BRANKA Solutions, Format D2, AKUO Energy, Optimal Computing, Padanaplast SRL, CASA SPA , SUPSI, 3S Swiss Solar Solutions AG and CSEM.
