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.

DETAILS:
By Simon Roberts
Birkhäuser Architecture, 2009
Paperback, 184 pages
1 x 8.5 x 11.2 inches