Building Integrated Photovoltaics—The Journey So Far and Future

Awuku, Samuel Amo; Muhammad‐Sukki, Firdaus; Sellami, Nazmi

doi:10.3390/en15051802

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) constitute an intelligent energy production system where PV panels are seamlessly integrated into various building elements, such as the roof, windows, and facades [102][103][104][105]. Generally, BIPV systems exhibit lower efficiency than conventional solar panels [106].…”

Section: Building-integrated Photovoltaics (Bipv)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Breaking Boundaries in Wind Engineering: LSU WISE Open-Jet Facility Revolutionizes Solar Panel and Building Design

Aly

2023

Applied Sciences

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Experimental wind engineering is crucial for global structural design. This paper addresses limitations in aerodynamic testing, particularly in wall-bounded and small-scale scenarios. Open-jet testing, introduced as an advanced tool, overcomes turbulence modelling constraints, providing a more accurate representation of real-world conditions. The LSU WISE open-jet facility produces complete turbulence at a large scale, eliminating the need for corrections accompanied by partial turbulence simulation. This discovery holds significant implications in wind engineering and unsteady aerodynamics. Integrating photovoltaic panels with gable-roofed buildings may not require additional structural reinforcement, with a reduction in wind uplift forces by 45–63%. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offer design flexibility and aesthetic appeal despite potential higher upfront costs. Strategic interventions, such as design optimization and cost-effective installation methods, can enhance the economic viability of BIPV systems. Contrary to long-held beliefs, the findings challenge the notion that wind loads on structures with sharp corners are insensitive to Reynolds number. Open-jet testing produces higher peak pressures, providing real-world justification for actual damage in high-rise buildings. These results validate the author’s hypothesis regarding the underestimation of peak loads (in small-scale testing) leading to cladding failure in high-rise buildings. They emphasize the superiority of large-scale open-jet testing, underscoring its critical role in designing resilient structures. The LSU WISE open-jet facility’s unique capabilities hold immense promise for revolutionizing wind engineering, addressing grand challenges, and creating more resilient and sustainable infrastructure. Its applications span critical infrastructure, promising significant economic, societal, and educational impacts in STEM fields.

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Section: Building-integrated Photovoltaics (Bipv)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Breaking Boundaries in Wind Engineering: LSU WISE Open-Jet Facility Revolutionizes Solar Panel and Building Design

Aly

2023

Applied Sciences

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“…The integration of PV systems into buildings and other infrastructure such as roads is an increasingly needed area of research as traditional rooftop and solar farm configurations may not be sufficient for land-scarce and population-dense regions to meet renewable energy targets. Current literature [5][6][7] emphasizes the multifaceted benefits of BIPV, including reduction of material use, dual functionality of existing structures, potential for substantial contributions to local energy needs, noise reduction, cost efficiency and aesthetics, among other advantages. In line with this viewpoint, Heinrich and Forster [8] highlight the utilization of road networks for solar power generation as a strategic response to the rising energy demands in densely populated regions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spectro-angular analysis of roadside-integrated bifacial solar power systems with reflecting sound barriers

Bundo,

Pal,

Ernst

et al. 2024

J. Phys. Photonics

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Bifacial photovoltaic modules along highways provide energy supply and act as sound barriers simultaneously. This study examines the impact on energy production when incorporating sound barriers with varying light reflection properties into this integrated solar infrastructure along roadways. Specifically, we use advanced computational simulations to analyze the effects of integrating black, ideal specular, and ideal diffuse (Lambertian) reflectors into an existing highway solar power plant located in the Netherlands. Our analysis combines realistic spectro-angular irradiance data as input with our in-house reverse ray tracing software. Our calculations show that for an east-west facing system, an ideal diffuse reflector increases the annual yield by 70%, while a specular reflector decreases the yield due to shading. Most notably, the diffuse reflector doubles the energy yield during winter months, thereby offering a pathway to decrease the seasonal energy demand and supply gap.

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“…The principal idea is to make buildings produce all or part of the energy they consume. BIPV has several advantages; for instance, it saves land space, reduces cost and, above all, improves the aesthetics of the building [7][8][9][10]. Building Applied Photovoltaic (BAPV) has dominated the solar market globally.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Proposing an Approach for the Diffusion of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVs)—A Case Study

Amo Awuku,

Bennadji,

Muhammad-Sukki

et al. 2024

New Energy Exploit. Appl.

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Consistent probing into building integrity has led to the exploration of clean energy options such as building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV). BIPV has proven to be aesthetically pleasing, architecturally feasible, and capable of making buildings energy producers instead of mere energy consumers. Despite the enormous benefits of BIPV, its adoption and diffusion have been relatively sluggish and remain far below expectations, especially in developing countries like Ghana. This empirical study aims to assess the impact of advertising on BIPV awareness in Ghana. It also highlights the aesthetic preferences of various respondents. The study uses online surveys to gather quantitative data from 412 respondents across all 16 regions of the country. An initial study conducted on the awareness of BIPV in Ghana indicated a low rate of awareness. Therefore, a sensitisation poster and architectural visualization (AV) were adopted to boost awareness across all 16 regions of the country. Awareness of BIPV increased from 18% to 79.5% after the introduction of the sensitisation poster. Also, 88.8% of the respondents preferred BIPV to Building Applied Photovoltaic (BAPV) mainly because of aesthetics (beauty) and the cost benefits. The respondents indicated that aesthetics is paramount when choosing solar panels for their homes. This study therefore recommends high investment in awareness creation, development of specific design guidelines for BIPV applications and establishment of demo projects in developing countries. The findings of this study contribute to the existing literature on BIPV adoption and may be useful for BIPV manufacturers, marketers, government, and other stakeholders as it provides evidence on the often-neglected approach to BIPV diffusion.

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Building Integrated Photovoltaics—The Journey So Far and Future

Abstract: The road to decarbonization has led to the exploration of sustainable energy sources for domestic and industrial use [...]

Cited by 7 publications

References 18 publications

Breaking Boundaries in Wind Engineering: LSU WISE Open-Jet Facility Revolutionizes Solar Panel and Building Design

Breaking Boundaries in Wind Engineering: LSU WISE Open-Jet Facility Revolutionizes Solar Panel and Building Design

Spectro-angular analysis of roadside-integrated bifacial solar power systems with reflecting sound barriers

Proposing an Approach for the Diffusion of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVs)—A Case Study

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