Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics” (BIPV) are the hottest trend in roofing and building materials in 2017. Simply put, with populations growing worldwide, the demand for energy (specifically renewable energy) is growing rapidly. Photovoltaics are energy capturing systems and are and will be a big part of the answer.

BIPVs are used in place of conventional material in the construction of facades, skylights, roofs and more. You’ve probably heard of solar panel shingles. Well now, photovoltaics (which change sun to energy) are being built into virtually all exterior parts of the building envelope… glazing, shading, cladding, wall integrated solutions, glass, facades, windows and more.

We’ve come a long, long way from simple solar panels. Today, BIPV materials are indistinguishable from the real thing. Solar panels are made to look like shingles and other types of roofing systems; skylights and windows look like simple glass but do double duty and capture energy as well.

Photovoltaics are increasingly being incorporated into the construction of new buildings as the main or additional source of electrical power, although existing buildings may be retrofitted with similar technology. In high rise office and residential buildings, where roof space is limited, the facades offer a huge surface potential for generating energy. Photovoltaic glass panels are ideal for letting light in while converting the sun’s energy to power. Having a building that generates renewable electricity is a huge advantage to help reduce both carbon footprint and energy costs.

The manufacturers leading the BIPV charge worldwide are Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd., Sharp Corporation, Schott Solar Ag, Scheuten Solar, Dow Solar, Centrosolar Ag, and Ascent Solar Technologies, among others.

We think that in about 10 years, you won’t see a new home or business that isn’t built without some type of BIPV. Depending on our energy resources, we also expect older homes and businesses might want or be required to retrofit some of this technology.

While Global Roofing Group specializes in commercial roofing, we work with many extremely reputable contractors that can assist with BIPV on other parts of your building or home — feel free to give us a call if you need a recommendation.