When the triumvirate of solar analysis—Bloomberg New Energy Finance, GTM Research and Mercom—all revised their initial forecasts to predict a “new era of solar PV competitiveness” (GTM Research), it was like a piñata of sweet, wonderful solar data had exploded. While 2015 and 2016 will very likely be the “best two years for solar PV in North America” (Mercom) and a $3.7 trillion investment in solar energy is about to take off globally, one of the biggest winners of this solar revolution is smaller PV, which is expected to see a 17-fold increase from 104 GW last year to 1.8 TW by 2040 (BNEF). Consumers, this message said, very much want to be in control of their power and the way it is generated. This shift in behavior is paired with an increased awareness of climate issues.
As solar PV moves into the energy mainstream and is set for unparalleled growth, we are also moving away from perceiving the technology as primarily a retrofit option to a building’s energy profile. The majority of new building construction is designed with a sustainable—or at least improved—energy footprint in mind. Cost developments as well as improved conversion efficiencies, innovative materials and production processes make building-integrated and bifacial photovoltaics an increasingly attractive move that goes far beyond mere energy generation.
Reputable domestic BIPV manufacturers offer 25-year linear warranties and 80% power guarantees on their high-quality products along with many of the same specs you can expect from regular PV panels. Besides being every bit as reliable and efficient as their PV siblings, BI and BF (bifacial) PV bring additional advantages to the solar table:
The (sunny) sky is the limit (and then some): With BI and BF PV panels, they’re not limited to rooftop or ground-mount systems. The modules bring a fresh “third dimension” to solar PV, which makes them a perfect mediator between straightforward PV installs and aesthetically pleasing ways of integrating energy generation into buildings. In addition to their task as power plants, BIPV and BFPV modules serve as construction materials that replace conventional, single-function building materials with powerful insulation, heat absorption and cooling qualities.
BIPV can be used as roof or exterior walls, either over the entire façade or specific accents. Solar awnings provide shade while soaking up the sun and converting it into energy. Curtain walls provide great architectural accents while supporting the ventilation capabilities of the building. Skylights and windows allow for daylighting but also reduce glare and heat loading. The combination of being architectural building blocks as well as passive and active solar components make BIPV and BFPV exciting for property owners, developers and builders alike.
Sun protection, thermal insulation, noise protection, privacy screens or certain safety features—it’s all in the job description for BIPV.
More is more: Roof space and areas qualifying for ground-mount installs can be limited, especially in crowded urban centers. Because BIPV and BFPV have the capability to transform surfaces previously unfit for solar into high-yielding power plants, it will play an increasingly important role in sustainable urban development. As end-users become more familiar with solar technology, solar contractors can expect a more demanding clientele, and BIPV and BFPV may just give them a business advantage to “sniff out” solar opportunities where competitors cannot.
On top of that, bifacial panels will give up to 30% more power as reflected sunlight is absorbed by cells on the back of panels.
The total transformation integration: Because BIPV and BFPV are usually conceived with initial design of the building rather than as a retrofit approach to energy efficiency, it makes for a more holistic solar design. By fulfilling a double function as outer building envelope and power generator, these technologies save time during the construction process as well as money on material and installation costs.
In the hands of a sensitive architect or developer, building-integrated and bifacial panels are optimally integrated into the building’s function, which translates into a maximized energy efficiency regular PV applications can’t match. New construction buildings with a clear energy efficiency mandate (as many federal and municipal buildings have) will rejoice at the opportunity to combine energy conservation and building envelope design with one technology that maximizes energy savings and operational costs. Getting down to net-zero is the perfect mission for the BIPV-BFPV team.
Bring on the beauty: BIPV and BFPV technology is the perfect answer to homeowner associations and other critics who have been dissing PV for its looks. Chances are even the biggest haters could walk into a net-zero building with BIPV curtain walls and solar awnings, admire its innovative design and not even notice that these “architectural accents” are some of PV’s finest. Seamlessly blending in with the environment is not just for chameleons anymore.
On the other end of the spectrum, both BIPV and BFPV provide a perfect and nearly unlimited canvas for companies who are looking for solar for its “prestige” and marketing opportunities. BIPV and BFPV cells and glass are highly customizable and can be tailored in shape and color to match corporate colors or logos. Besides being a building material and energy generator, BIPV and BFPV panels can also be utilized as branding and marketing tools of a whole new dimension.
Because both technologies have the superpower to turn surface areas into high-yielding power stations, they are a great way to achieve net zero energy consumption and LEED certification for buildings where rooftop or ground-mount PV alone won’t do.
This article is by Mikael Niskanen, director of manufacturing operations and development for Strathcona Energy Group.
