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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