Coloured BIPV Technologies: Methodological and Experimental Assessment for Architecturally Sensitive Areas

Martina Pelle, Elena Lucchi, Laura Maturi, Alexander Astigarraga and Francesco Causone
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Martina Pelle: Institute for Renewable Energy, EURAC Research, 29100 Bolzano, Italy
Elena Lucchi: Institute for Renewable Energy, EURAC Research, 29100 Bolzano, Italy
Laura Maturi: Institute for Renewable Energy, EURAC Research, 29100 Bolzano, Italy
Alexander Astigarraga: Institute for Renewable Energy, EURAC Research, 29100 Bolzano, Italy
Francesco Causone: Department of Energy, Politecnico di Milano, Via Lambruschini 4, 20156 Milano, Italy

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 17, 1-21

Abstract: Energy flexibility in buildings is gaining momentum with the introduction of new European directives that enable buildings to manage their own energy demand and production, by storing, consuming or selling electricity according to their need. The transition towards a low-carbon energy system, through the promotion of on-site energy production and enhancement of self-consumption, can be supported by building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) technologies. This paper investigates the aesthetic and technological integration of hidden coloured PV modules in architecturally sensitive areas that seem to be the best possibility to favour a balance between conservation and energy issues. First, a multidisciplinary methodology for evaluating the aesthetic and technical integration of PV systems in architecturally sensitive area is proposed, referring to the technologies available on the market. Second, the experimental characterisation of the technical performance specific BIPV modules and their comparison with standard modules under standard weather condition are analysed, with the aim of acquiring useful data for comparing the modules’ integration properties and performance. For this purpose, new testbeds have been set up to investigate the aesthetic integration and the energy performances of innovative BIPV products. The paper describes the analyses carried out to define the final configuration of these experimental testbeds. Finally, the experimental characterisation at standard test conditions of two coloured BIPV modules is presented and the experimental design for the outdoor testing is outlined.

Keywords: building-integrated photovoltaics; BIPV; hidden coloured BIPV module; BIPV integration; photovoltaic; PV (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (19)

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