Building Integrated Photovoltaics, A Handbook

A Birkhäuser book
Due to the growing demand for clean sources of energy, the manufacture
of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has expanded dramatically in recent
years. Photovoltaics has high appeal, generating electricity from sunlight,
silently, with no maintenance, no pollution and no depletion of materials.
In building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems, photovoltaic modules
become an integral part of the building envelope, such as the roof, a skylight
or the façade. BIPV represents the combination of proven renewable
power technology and the building exterior using traditional building
practices.
This handbook is aimed at architects and designers. It addresses PV-technology
as one more building cladding option from an architect’s point of
view. Most examples here are of new buildings, but the guidance is equally
relevant for renovation of existing buildings.