Website: www.pvnord.org
Summary
PV-NORD is an EU project which have developed and studied eight building integrated photovoltaic systems in Northern Europe. Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is the only high quality renewable source of electricity possible in an urban environment. Based on the EU White Paper, PV-NORD is the first step towards the widespread exploitation of building integrated photovoltaics in the Northern Dimension of the European Union. The partners represented different interest groups in PV exploitation, and addressed the barriers from different angles, based on eight demonstration buildings in the participating countries.
It is clear that the cost of the solar modules still is too high for BIPV to be a realistic alternative in the open market. It is also clear that the added values, inherent in BIPV, balance the lack of economic profitability for some building owners. The PV-NORD demonstration projects have proven that aesthetically, sustainable buildings are not inherently of inferior quality but rather a challenge, which can be met by giving the architect appropriate conditions and possibilities. Environmentally, BIPV is energy positive. PV-related issues need to be addressed early in the process and the whole value chain needs to be involved.
Results
In eight Nordic building projects different solutions of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are demonstrated. The architectural quality of these solutions is evaluated by an international panel of architecture critics and by interviewing the designing architects. The evaluations and general conclusions are useful for future exploitation of BIPV.
As other building materials, PV-system requires energy and involves the use of chemicals during the manufacturing process. However a PV-system can pay back the consumed energy after a few years and doesn't require chemicals for maintenance. Recycling opportunities for used PV-system are developed within Europe.
All demonstration projects have been interviewed regarding electrical design experiences in pre- and post-construction questionnaires. The deliverables from this work include recommendations and design-checklist for BIPV in the Nordic countries including a generic guideline on the electrical design issues and how this should link to the architectural design process. Early involvement, close dialogue and awareness and understanding of the electrical characteristics of BIPV-systems are key-issues to address in the realisation of future projects.
When it comes to the decision to use BIPV, based on information from the demonstration projects, the energy aspects of BIPV systems, seems to be of lesser importance than the characteristic façade appearance or architectural expressions they offer. These positive perceived visual effects or values seem to balance the lack of economic profitability.
The management of the BIPV system deserves adequate attention to enable high availability and low operational costs. Guidelines were prepared to cope properly with the management over the whole life-cycle of the PV system. The practical realization of the PV management should be linked to the overall building management/service employing ICT solutions.
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Architects/Architecture
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KTH - Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan Royal Institute of Technology
Case Study (39 Kb PDF)