Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Review of the Significance and Challenges of Building Integrated Photovoltaics

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Energy Efficient Building Design

Abstract

The rise of innovative technologies in the built environment has witnessed a significant leap thanks to breakthroughs in research and development, applied science, and technology, as well as the global thinking towards a sustainable future. Beyond the international call and political mechanisms behind the current energy awakening is the challenge to clearly communicate the need for these innovative technologies. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is a classic example of technological innovation, advanced by environmental demands, which has significant benefits. However, both existing literature and ongoing research show a gap between its technological growth and its global market diffusion. But what are the reasons? What economic, social, technical, educational or design-related barriers stifle the acceptance of innovative technologies like BIPV? This chapter presents a thought-provoking response by taking a holistic look at this issue to highlight not only the importance and the benefits but also the challenges associated with this technology. It justifies the ‘BIPV intervention’ from an energy and building dimension with relation to its strategic benefits, including the potential for improved energy generation. In the final section, focus is given to developments and challenges relating to the technical and non-technical aspects of the technology. As designers, educators, developers and decision-makers play a significant role in the adoption of innovative technologies, this chapter concludes with an outline of current needs and further research opportunities. These final thoughts are needed to chart a pathway for increased global acceptance and a sustainable built environment.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. BCC Research. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV): technologies and [5] global markets. A BCC energy and resources report 2016

    Google Scholar 

  2. Y. Li et al., Mechanical analysis of photovoltaic panels with various boundary condition. Renew. Energy 145, 242–260 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. M.A. Green, S.P. Bremner, Energy conversion approaches and materials for high-efficiency photovoltaics. Nat. Mater. 16(1), 23–34 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. A. Elnosh et al., Field study of factors influencing performance of PV modules in buildings (BIPV/BAPV) installed in UAE, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1109/PVSC.2018.8547298

  5. A. Hasan et al., Energy and cost saving of a photovoltaic-phase change materials (PV-PCM) system through temperature regulation and performance enhancement of photovoltaics. Energies 7(3), 1318–1331 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. L. Belussi et al., LCA study and testing of a photovoltaic ceramic tile prototype. Renew. Energy 74, 263–270 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. M. Morini, R. Corrao, Energy optimization of BIPV glass blocks: a multi-software study. Energy Procedia 111, 982–992 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. W. Bahr, A comprehensive assessment methodology of the building integrated photovoltaic blind system. Energy Buildings 82, 703–708 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. H. Elarga, A. Zarrella, M. De Carli, Dynamic energy evaluation and glazing layers optimization of façade building with innovative integration of PV modules. Energy Buildings 111, 468–478 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. D.E. Attoye et al., A review on building integrated photovoltaic façade customization potentials. Sustainability 9(12), 2287 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. P. Jayathissa et al., Optimising building net energy demand with dynamic BIPV shading. Appl. Energy 202, 726–735 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. R.A. Agathokleous, S.A. Kalogirou, Part II: thermal analysis of naturally ventilated BIPV system: modeling and simulation. Sol. Energy 169, 682–691 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. L. Walker, J. Hofer, A. Schlueter, High-resolution, parametric BIPV and electrical systems modeling and design. Appl. Energy 238, 164–179 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. L. Zhu et al., A simplified mathematical model for power output predicting of Building Integrated Photovoltaic under partial shading conditions. Energ. Conver. Manage. 180, 831–843 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. IPCC, Summary for policymakers, in IPCC Special Report On Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation, ed. by O. Edenhofer, R. Pichs-Madruga, Y. Sokona, K. Seyboth, P. Matschoss, S. Kadner, T. Zwickel, P. Eickemeier, G. Hansen, S. Schlömer, C. von Stechow, (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK; New York, 2011)

    Google Scholar 

  16. L.D. Emberson et al., Impacts of air pollutants on vegetation in developing countries. Water Air Soil Pollut. 130(1), 107–118 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. J. Fenger, Urban air quality. Atmos. Environ. 33(29), 4877–4900 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. B. Saboori, J. Sulaiman, S. Mohd, Economic growth and CO2 emissions in Malaysia: a cointegration analysis of the environmental Kuznets curve. Energy Policy 51, 184–191 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. S. Lodhia, N. Martin, The Garnaut review. Sustain. Account. Manag. Policy. J. 3(1), 33–49 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. W. Liu et al., Minimizing the carbon footprint for the time-dependent heterogeneous-fleet vehicle routing problem with alternative paths. Sustainability 6(7), 4658–4684 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. D. Knera, D. Heim, Application of a BIPV to cover net energy use of the adjacent office room. Manag. Environ. Qual. Int. J. 27(6), 649–662 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. A.O. Adewuyi, O.B. Awodumi, Renewable and non-renewable energy-growth-emissions linkages: review of emerging trends with policy implications. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 69, 275–291 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. IRENA 2017. Accelerating the energy transition through innovation: WORKING PAPER based on global REmap analysis, June 2017

    Google Scholar 

  24. A.K. Tiwari, Comparative performance of renewable and nonrenewable energy source on economic growth and CO2 emissions of Europe and Eurasian countries: a PVAR approach. Econ. Bull. 31(3), 2356–2372 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  25. J. Zuo, Z. Zhao, Green building research–current status and future agenda: a review. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 30, 271–281 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. O. Awadh, Sustainability and green building rating systems: LEED, BREEAM, GSAS and Estidama critical analysis. J. Build. Eng. 11, 25–29 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Q. Shi et al., Identifying the critical factors for green construction – an empirical study in China. Habitat Int. 40, 1–8 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. W. van Sark et al., Development of BIPV courseware for students and professionals: the Dem4BIPV project, in Proceedings of the 33rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, Thursday, 28 Sept 2017, pp. 2895–2899. WIP-Renewable Energies, 2017

    Google Scholar 

  29. J. Sawin, Renewable energy policy network for the 21st century renewables 2017 global status report; REN21 secretariat: Paris, France, 2017, pp. 1–302

    Google Scholar 

  30. IEA PVPS. Snapshot of global photovoltaic markets; Report IEA PVPS T1-31, 2017. Available online: http://www.iea-pvps.org/fileadmin/dam/public/report/statistics/IEA-PVPS_-_A_Snapshot_of_Global_PV_-_1992-2016__1_.pdf. Accessed on 1 Apr 2018

  31. S. Bhattacharya et al., The effect of renewable energy consumption on economic growth: evidence from top 38 countries. Appl. Energy 162, 733–741 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. P. Kumar et al., A review of multi criteria decision making (MCDM) towards sustainable renewable energy development. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 69, 596–609 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. F.J.W. Osseweijer et al., A comparative review of building integrated photovoltaics ecosystems in selected European countries. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 90, 1027–1040 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. T. Zhang, M. Wang, H. Yang, A review of the energy performance and life-cycle assessment of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. Energies 11(11), 3157 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. A.K. Shukla, K. Sudhakar, P. Baredar, Recent advancement in BIPV product technologies: a review. Energy Buildings 140, 188–195 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. M. Tripathy, P.K. Sadhu, S.K. Panda, A critical review on building integrated photovoltaic products and their applications. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 61, 451–465 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Y. Ibraheem, E.R.P. Farr, P.A.E. Piroozfar, Embedding passive intelligence into building envelopes: a review of the state-of-the-art in integrated photovoltaic shading devices. Energy Procedia 111, 964–973 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. R.A. Agathokleous, S.A. Kalogirou, Double skin facades (DSF) and building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV): a review of configurations and heat transfer characteristics. Renew. Energy 89, 743–756 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. B. Jelle, Building integrated photovoltaics: a concise description of the current state of the art and possible research pathways. Energies 9(1), 21 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. P. Bonomo, A. Chatzipanagi, F. Frontini, Overview and analysis of current BIPV products: new criteria for supporting the technological transfer in the building sector. VITRUVIO Int. J. Archit. Technol. Sustain. (1), 67–85 (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  41. C. Hachem, M. Elsayed, Patterns of façade system design for enhanced energy performance of multistory buildings. Energy Buildings 130, 366–377 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. D.E. Attoye et al., Innovative building integrated photovoltaic façade: parametric design, advantages and challenges, in Proceedings of the 12th Conference On Advanced Building Skins (ABS2017), Bern, Switzerland, Oct 2–3 2017

    Google Scholar 

  43. D. Hardy et al., Improving the aesthetics of photovoltaics through use of coloured encapsulants, in Proceedings of the PLEA 2013—29th Conference, Sustainable Architecture For A Renewable Future, Munich, Germany, 10–12 Sept 2013

    Google Scholar 

  44. Z. Nagy et al., The adaptive solar facade: from concept to prototypes. Front Archit. Res. 5, 143–156 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2016.03.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. S.Y. Lien, Artist photovoltaic modules. Energies 9, 551 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. G. Peharz et al., Application of plasmonic coloring for making building integrated PV modules comprising of green solar cells. Renew. Energy 109, 542–550 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. D.E. Attoye et al., A conceptual framework for a building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) educative-communication approach. Sustainability 10(10), 3781 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. E. Karakaya et al., Barriers to the adoption of photovoltaic systems: the state of the art. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 49, 60–66 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. M.M. Probst, C. Roecker, Criteria for architectural integration of active solar systems IEA Task 41, Subtask A. Energy Procedia. 30, 1195–1204 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. A. Prieto et al., Solar façades-main barriers for widespread façade integration of solar technologies. J. Façade Des. Eng. 5, 51–62 (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  51. B. Hagemann, Examples of successful architectural integration of PV: Germany. Prog. Photovolt. Res. Appl. 12(6), 461–470 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. M. Thirugnanasambandam et al., A review of solar thermal technologies. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 14(1), 312–322 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. O. Morton, Solar energy: a new day dawning?: Silicon Valley sunrise. Nature 443, 19–23 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. N.S. Lewis, D.G. Nocera, Powering the planet: chemical challenges in solar energy utilization. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 103(43), 15729–15735 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. M.A. Green et al., Solar cell efficiency tables (version 52). Prog. Photovolt. Res. Appl. 26(7), 427–436 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. M.A. Green, How did solar cells get so cheap? Joule 3(3), 631–633 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. A. Sagani, J. Mihelis, V. Dedoussis, Techno-economic analysis and life-cycle environmental impacts of small-scale building-integrated PV systems in Greece. Energ. Buildings 139, 277–290 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. S. Sharples, H. Radhi, Assessing the technical and economic performance of building integrated photovoltaics and their value to the GCC society. Renew. Energy 55, 150–159 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. R. Timilsina, L. Kurdgelashvili, P.A. Narbel, Solar energy: markets, economics and policies. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 16(1), 449–465 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. L. Byrnes et al., Australian renewable energy policy: barriers and challenges. Renew. Energy 60, 711–721 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. R.J. Yang, P.X. Zou, Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV): costs, benefits, risks, barriers and improvement strategy. Int. J. Constr. Manag. 16, 39–53 (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  62. R. Sauter, J. Watson, Strategies for the deployment of micro-generation: implications for social acceptance. Energy Policy 35(5), 2770–2779 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. D. Dunn-Rankin, E.M. Leal, D.C. Walther, Personal power systems. Prog. Energy Combust. Sci. 31(5), 422–465 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. A.S. Abdullah et al., Renewable energy cost-benefit analysis under malaysian feed-in-tariff. (2012). https://doi.org/10.1109/SCOReD.2012.6518631

  65. P. Hammond et al., Whole systems appraisal of a UK Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) system: energy, environmental, and economic evaluations. Energy Policy 40, 219–230 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  66. D.J. Harris, A quantitative approach to the assessment of the environmental impact of building materials. Build. Environ. 34(6), 751–758 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  67. http://www.saint-gobain.co.uk/sustainability/sustainable-construction/. Date accessed 19 Jan 2018 at 19:14

  68. P. Nejat et al., A global review of energy consumption, CO2 emissions and policy in the residential sector (with an overview of the top ten CO2 emitting countries). Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 43, 843–862 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  69. World Energy Council (WEC), World Energy Resources 2013 Survey (World Energy Council, London, 2013)

    Google Scholar 

  70. O. Balaban, The negative effects of construction boom on urban planning and environment in Turkey: unraveling the role of the public sector. Habitat Int. 36(1), 26–35 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  71. N.Z. Abidin, Investigating the awareness and application of sustainable construction concept by Malaysian developers. Habitat Int. 34(4), 421–426 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  72. V. Yorucu, R. Keles, The construction boom and environmental protection in Northern Cyprus as a consequence of the Annan Plan. Constr. Manag. Econ. 25(1), 77–86 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  73. M.A. Brown, F. Southworth, Mitigating climate change through green buildings and smart growth. Environ. Plan. A. 40(3), 653–675 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  74. C.E. Ochoa, I.G. Capeluto, Strategic decision-making for intelligent buildings: comparative impact of passive design strategies and active features in a hot climate. Build. Environ. 43(11), 1829–1839 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  75. P. Heinstein, C. Ballif, L. Perret-Aebi, Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV): review, potentials, barriers and myths. Green 3(2), 125–156 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  76. M.C. Munari et al., Solar energy systems in architecture-integration criteria and guidelines, in International Energy Agency Solar Heating and Cooling Programme, ed. by M. Probst, M. Cristina, C. Roecker, (International Energy Agency, Paris, 2013)

    Google Scholar 

  77. K. Farkas et al., in Designing Photovoltaic Systems for Architectural Integration, ed. by K. Farkas, (International Energy Agency, Paris, 2013)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  78. D.F. Montoro et al., Building integrated photovoltaics: an overview of the existing products and their fields of application, in Report Prepared in the Framework of the European Funded Project, (SUNRISE, Saskatoon, 2011)

    Google Scholar 

  79. R. Thomas (ed.), Photovoltaics and Architecture (Taylor & Francis, Didcot, 2003)

    Google Scholar 

  80. M. Pagliaro, R. Ciriminna, G. Palmisano, BIPV: merging the photovoltaic with the construction industry. Prog. Photovolt. Res. Appl. 18(1), 61–72 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  81. M. Oliver, T. Jackson, Energy and economic evaluation of building-integrated photovoltaics. Energy 26(4), 431–439 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  82. B. Petter Jelle, C. Breivik, H. Drolsum Røkenes, Building integrated photovoltaic products: a state-of-the-art review and future research opportunities. Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells 100, 69–96 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  83. S. Morris, Improving Energy Efficient, Sustainable Building Design and Construction in Australia—Learning from Europe (ISS Institute, Carlton, 2013)

    Google Scholar 

  84. D.A. Hardy, S.C. Roaf, B.S. Richards, Integrating photovoltaic cells into decorative architectural glass using traditional glass-painting techniques and fluorescent dyes. Int. J. Sustain. Dev. Plan. 10(6), 863 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  85. D.E. Attoye et al., Innovation in construction: the case of BIPV customization in extreme climates, in Proceedings of Comfort At The Extremes Conference (CATE) 2019, Heriot Watt University, Dubai, Apr 10–11 2019

    Google Scholar 

  86. L. El Chaar, L.A. lamont, N. El Zein, Review of photovoltaic technologies. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 15(5), 2165–2175 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  87. G. Eder et al., Coloured BIPV: market, research and development, 2019

    Google Scholar 

  88. I. Zanetti et al., Building integrated photovoltaics: product overview for solar building skins-status report, Kidlington, UK, 2017

    Google Scholar 

  89. R.J. Yang, Overcoming technical barriers and risks in the application of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV): hardware and software strategies. Autom. Constr. 51, 92–102 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  90. S. Ritzen et al., IEA-PVPS Task 15: enabling framework for BIPV acceleration (IEA-PVPS)”, in Proceedings of the 48th IEA PVPS Executive Committee Meeting, Vienna, Austria, 16 Nov 2016

    Google Scholar 

  91. Prototype of BIPV simulation tool – Second version – PVSites (2017) Available online at https://www.pvsites.eu/downloads/category/project-results?page=2. Accessed 14 Oct 2019

  92. P. Alamy, V.K. Nguyen, PVSITES software tools for BIM-based design and simulation of BIPV systems, in Proceedings of the Advanced Building Skins Conference, Bern, Switzerland, pp. 1–2, 2018

    Google Scholar 

  93. M. Tabakovic et al., Status and outlook for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in relation to educational needs in the BIPV sector. Energy Procedia 111, 993–999 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Architectural Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE

    Daniel Efurosibina Attoye & Kheira Anissa Tabet Aoul

Authors
  1. Daniel Efurosibina Attoye
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kheira Anissa Tabet Aoul
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Daniel Efurosibina Attoye .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism – Center of Architectural and Urban Studies, București, Romania, Romanian Academy – Commission of Renewable Energies, București, Romania

    Ana-Maria Dabija

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Attoye, D.E., Aoul, K.A.T. (2020). A Review of the Significance and Challenges of Building Integrated Photovoltaics. In: Dabija, AM. (eds) Energy Efficient Building Design. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40671-4_1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40671-4_1

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-40670-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-40671-4

  • eBook Packages: EnergyEnergy (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation