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| published Sunday, May 02, 2004 |
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photovoltaic technology, design teams may supply solar energy to building systems, integrate the technology seamlessly into the building design, and provide an economical renewable energy source for building owners.
A sustainable technology that provides the opportunity for generating electricity and replacing conventional construction materials is building integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs). BIPV systems generate electricity by converting solar energy into useable power to supply building electrical loads. As a leading renewable technology, it is poised for widespread use by design teams in the non-residential construction industry in California and across the United States.
With an abundance of accessible solar energy, California is a prime location for photovoltaic technology and BIPV applications. This technology has the potential to generate substantial electricity capacity for the state. Currently, it is estimated that only about 0.3 percent of California’s total electricity generation is produced using solar energy. However, photovoltaic technology has the potential to take a much larger role in supplementing or replacing nonrenewable generation sources for electricity in the future.
California’s commercial building owners and designers who integrate BIPV in new and existing buildings may reap numerous economic and environmental benefits. However, designing with BIPVs requires a “whole building” approach that focuses on the interaction of all the energy systems in a building. By evaluating the interoperability of all systems, energy savings may be compounded, and full economic and environmental advantages may be realized.
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