UAB "Contentus" - Solar energy - Photovoltaic

BIPV – Building integrated photovoltaic

Building - integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) are photovoltaic materials that are used to replace conventional building materials in parts of the building envelope such as the roof, skylights, facades or shelters of sun for local electric power generation. They are incorporated into the construction of new buildings as a principal or subsidiary source of electrical power. The advantage of Building integrated photovoltaic’s is that the initial cost can be compensate by reducing the amount spent on building materials and labor that would normally be used to construct the part of the building that the BIPV modules replace. In addition, since BIPV are an integral part of the design and added power supply of a building, they generally are more attractive than other solar equipments. These advantages make BIPV one of the fastest growing segments of the photovoltaic industry.

Building integrated Photovoltaic modules are available for using in flat roofs, slope roofs, facades, windows and skylight glazing.

Recently ware successful developed a transparent photovoltaic solar cell that uses ultraviolet light to generate electricity but allows visible light to pass through it. Most conventional solar cells use visible and infrared light to generate electricity. In contrast, the innovative new solar cell uses ultraviolet radiation. Used to replace conventional window glass, the installation surface area could be large, leading to potential uses that take advantage of the combined functions of power generation, lighting and temperature control.

Today, building integrated photovoltaic systems are able to provide:

Solar electricity
Light management
Comfort
Effective shading
Glare protection
Thermal management
Innovative architecture

Advantages with BIPV:

BIPV substitutes conventional building materials such as concrete, glass, stone and plaster on the facade or tiles on rooftops
BIPV means additional benefits and image gain for the investor
BIPV improves the energy balance of your building
BIPV offers long-term reclaiming of investment costs
BIPV increases – through natural light – the comfort factor
BIPV creates living areas close to nature
BIPV allows architecture to be creative and fit for the future
BIPV enhances the image of your building

With Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV), photovoltaic material as a walls, roof, and vision glass becomes an integral part of the building. Sunlight falling on the photovoltaic components creates electricity. This electricity flows through power conversion equipment and into the building's electrical distribution system, feeding building's electric loads or surplus to the transmission grid. In essence, the skin of the building produces electricity.

The French Team of architects Jourda et Perraudin (in cooperation with HHS, Kassel) has designed a new building concept enclosing the academy, a hotel, offices and a library with a glass envelope which spans 180 m by 72 m with a height of 16 m. The buildings inside the glass envelope are covered from wind, rain and protected by a climate changes. Indoors, an avenue of trees and water elements provide an atmosphere that invites people to stroll and relax throughout the year. Semi-transparent PV system was designed, manufactured and installed in 1999.
Scheuten Solar was the general contractor for the complete installation.
Area - 10.000 sqm, rated power - 1000 kWp, number of modules - 3184.

LOXX Gelsenkirchen: large solar power plant was erected on the roof of logistics company LOXX' buildings. Systems engineering, making use of the combination of the latest made polycrystalline solar modules and inverters with a 98% peak efficiency allowed to generating a maximum return on investment will ensure maximum earnings in the long term. Annual mean energy production will be equivalent to the electricity consumption of approximately 100 households.
Scheuten Solar was the general contractor for the complete installation.
Roof area used - approx. 10.000 m², power output - 361,62 kWp, number of modules -1764 modules of 205 Wp, annual energy production - approx. 290.000 kWh, avoided CO2 emissions at 880 g/kWh - approx. 255.000 kg /year

The roof of the town hall of the Municipality of the Dutch city Dongen has a total surface area of 545 m2. The 100-tilted roof consists of 288 custom-made isolated semi transparent glass-glass modules with cell coverage of 85%. Each module has a size of 1,8 m2, and a power output of 184 Wp and a weight of 100 kg. The PV modules are all connected to 16 SMA SWR 2,500 inverters, which are all monitored by a computer. A central display at the main entrance shows the performance of the PV-system for all visitors of the town hall.
Scheuten Solar was the general contractor for the complete installation.
Rated power - 53 kWp. Installed - January 2002