| Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) - replace conventional building materials in parts of the building envelope such as the roof, skylights, or facades. The advantage of integrated photovoltaics over more common non-integrated systems is that the initial cost can be offset 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, they generally blend in better and are more aesthetically appealing than other solar options. BIPV is one of the fastest growing segments of the photovoltaic industry. BIPV is proving to be an effective building energy technology in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings and structures. |
