IEA Task Force Develops BIPV Toolkit To Make Evaluation Simpler

One of the more obvious, but less appreciated fact about the world in 2050 is that possibly 60% of the building stock of 2050 is yet to be built. For Solar, that figure might be closer to 80% or more for 2035. That makes a case for evaluating new technologies and their impact with a longer term vision. The International Energy Agency (IEA), has done just that for BIPV, or Building Integrated Photo Voltaic. Anticipating a much broader use case for this relatively new solar application, the IEA has developed a BIPV tool to better pan and understand BIPV.

BIPV holds a lot of promise for the future of the building industry, representing an intersection between renewable electricity generation and architecture. Considering its infancy as a technology, it makes sense to have an evaluation tool in place. This is where the IEA-PVPS Task 15 adopts a multidimensional approach for comprehensive evaluation.

Designed to assist architects, system developers, and other stakeholders in planning and optimizing BIPV projects, the tool allows for a comprehensive assessment of BIPV systems across four performance categories: energy-related, economic, environmental, and optical/visual.

A numerical rating system ranging from 1 to 5 was also established for each performance indicator. The scale ensures a quantifiable and comparative analysis of diverse BIPV installations.

The most important component of the methodology is the Multi-Dimensional Evaluation Tool. This tool requires specific data on installation sites (geographical, climatic, orientation, inclination, shading), PV modules (datasheet), BIPV installations (application and system category, sub-system, building type, total installed area and total nominal power of the BIPV building skin, photos), and rated performance indicators. Stakeholders can combine general information and performance indicators to assess the multifunctional performance of a BIPV system based on the parameters set by the tool.

To ensure a standardized approach, IEA PVPS Task 15 experts have developed a harmonized vocabulary as well.

To validate the tool, IEA PVPS examined real BIPV installations representing various building typologies. These included a multifamily apartment complex with a camouflaged BIPV facade, an office building with BIPV elements, BIPV roofs of terrace houses, and a multifamily apartment block with BIPV parapets and window balustrades. A preliminary analysis of representative building typologies to test and validate the methodology was conducted. The assessment covered BIPV facades, roofs, and external devices. Results showcased the tool’s efficacy in providing a comprehensive understanding of BIPV installations, including visual performance.

The development of this tool represents a significant step forward in the adoption of BIPV systems. Through continuous learning cycles and real-world testing, the challenges posed by data availability, visual assessments, and project evaluation have been addressed. The methodology, showcased through real BIPV installations, serves as a valuable resource for architects, developers, and stakeholders involved in the design process of BIPV projects. As the BIPV landscape continues to evolve, this innovative evaluation approach paves the way for more effective and sustainable integration of photovoltaics into building structures.

Download the full fact sheet here.

 

By Yash Singh