Designing BIPV – Strategies for managing complexity in the integration of photovoltaics in facades

Abstract

Recent European plans for energy and climate promote the adoption of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVs) as key technologies to address the diverse challenges associated with climate neutrality. Although advancements in photovoltaic technology offer promising perspectives in terms of efficiency and durability, integrating these technologies into building components remains a complex and uncommon practice. Aiming to address the complexities related to BIPV system design and encourage broader commercialisation, this article presents a series of design strategies to tackle architectural, technological, economic, and environmental issues through a critical analysis of a real-world case study. Article info Received: 10/09/2024; Revised: 12/10/2024; Accepted: 14/10/2024

Keywords

• BIPV
• façade systems
• renewable energy
• innovation
• complexity