Many discoveries do not leave the lab, and many goods being fabricated are already stale and obsolete. Continuous knowledge transfer and research & development are key for a company operating...
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Merging Sustainability with Architecture
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is a groundbreaking concept that seamlessly integrates solar energy generation into buildings. By combining architectural design with renewable energy production, BIPV transforms structures into active power generators. Sounds great, right? Vitsolc Technologies S.L. aims to be part of this transformation with our transparent photovoltaic technology. We are not just talking about another energy solution; it is a game-changer!
In this blog post, we delve into the world of BIPV, exploring its benefits, challenges, and real-world applications.
What is BIPV?
BIPV refers to the incorporation of photovoltaic (PV) elements directly into building components such as roofs, facades, windows, and shading devices. Unlike traditional solar panels mounted on rooftops, BIPV systems serve dual purposes: generating electricity while maintaining the building’s aesthetic appeal.
Benefits of BIPV
Integration: In collaboration with architects, BIPV seamlessly blends with the buildings, without the need of additional metallic supports and structures.
Energy Production: BIPV can power lighting, appliances, and even feed surplus electricity back into the grid.
Space Optimization: BIPV increases the surface used for photovoltaics. The inclusion of Vitsolc’s transparent solar cells can expand the energy-producing surface from the roof to the totality of the building’s external area.
Unique Advantages of Vitsolc’s Technology
Contrarily to conventional photovoltaic modules, Vitsolc’s transparent solar panels can be installed also on transparent, glassy, elements, like windows or glass walls, which got in the popular imaginary thanks to skyscrapers but are getting increasingly popular as they became widespread in “normal” buildings also. The request for transparent photovoltaic elements in architecture is massive, and still nowadays remains unattended, due to the complete absence of commercial products.
Vitsolc’s transparent solar panels aim to be the first commercial solution to this need.
The replacement of common glass by transparent photovoltaic panels will be effortless, as transparent cells are just layered in between slabs of glass, having the same mechanical properties and weight, plus the electricity production.
When talking of BIPV, we are mostly referring to vertical installations, where the solar irradiation necessarily hits with a large incidence angle, decreasing the efficiency of the solar panels. Vitsolc’s patented nanophotonic structure acts as a mirror for infrared light, allowing the solar cell to use most of it even at large incidence angles. Additionally, the infrared-reflective property increases the thermal insulation of the glass, improving the efficiency of the heating and air cooling all over the year.
The wide surfaces available for BIPV will require the fabrication of the photovoltaic panels with large-scale industrial-ready processes. At Vitsolc we are fully aware of this, and we employ only deposition techniques and methods commonly employed in the industry.
Finally, Vitsolc’s solar cells can be fabricated with different degrees of transparency, allowing the architects to tune the incoming light intensity. This can improve the visual comfort when installed on both north-facing and south-facing glass surfaces.
Building a Future Together
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics represents a harmonious fusion of architecture and renewable energy. As technology evolves, BIPV will play a pivotal role in creating more efficient and resilient cities. Vitsolc Technologies is working hard to overcome some of the challenges exposed, mainly the transparency required for installing solar panels even where nowadays seems impossible to. Let’s embrace this solar-powered revolution and reimagine our built environment!
Blogs
News & Blogs
- All Post
- Energia Solar
As the world shifts toward cleaner energy sources, the integration of photovoltaics (PV) into electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum. Imagine a car that not only runs on electricity but...
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is a groundbreaking concept that seamlessly integrates solar energy generation into buildings. By combining architectural design with renewable energy production, BIPV transforms structures into active power generators....
Historically, large swathes of ground has been used to cultivate crops. With the rising of renewable energies, some fields have been repurposed for electricity generation with huge solar farms or...