The drive to create a CO2-free built environment requires architects to think critically about the materials they specify for new buildings and major renovations.
To help this process, manufacturers have stepped up with an array of tools and solutions. One building material that’s gaining rapid industry acceptance is building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) glass.
If you’ve specified or considered using BIPV glass panels in a project, you know about the material’s remarkable versatility.
If you haven’t investigated BIPV as a façade alternative, you may be surprised by how this highly-evolved and long-established technology addresses aesthetics, power generation, and sustainability with made-to-order precision and cladding performance.
Checks All the Boxes
Few understand the transformative effect BIPV represents to the environment and profession better than Lauren Black.
Black, a product manager for Vitro Architectural Glass—the only BIPV manufacturer in North America— understands what BIPV means to architects, owners, contractors, and specifiers looking for versatile, environmentally responsible building materials.
“BIPV answers so many questions,” says Black, who holds a Ph.D. in chemistry. “First, it represents a design alternative to traditional cladding elements like stone or ceramic for just about any exterior building application. That includes rainscreens, balustrades, and balconies, skylights, spandrel glass, roof elements, carports, and more. There’s really no limit.”
Large Design Palette
There’s no one-look-fits-all approach, either. Architects are free to modulate a BIPV panel to achieve nearly any effect through solar cell density, transparency, colors, sizes, and shapes. Even the PV technology itself is available in options, including:
- Monocrystalline PV: Black in appearance and provides maximum energy-generation performance equivalent to a traditional solar panel.
- Polycrystalline PV: Bold blue appearance with slightly less power output.
- Monocrystalline PV Strips. Customizable pattern appearance with variable vision glass capability.
All glass types are on the table, too. Specification can include low-iron vision glass and low-emissivity (low-e) coated glazing to spandrel and tinted substrates. All the glass products you’re familiar with.
Payback in a Few as 12 Months
Unlike other cladding products, BIPV pays for itself through CO2-free power generation. “Depending on the climate, transparencies, and application, the owner can expect payback within one to five years,” reports Black. “The glass pays for itself through active and passive energy savings while it protects the structure for several decades.”
Expert Guidance
Black says BIPV versatility invites the designer to consider a range of options, from optimum exterior placement to regulating the level of transparency.
“Given the variables, it makes sense to work with the manufacturer for the best design solution. For example, the Vitro team works closely with the architect to specify a solution that meets both the design intent and power performance requirement,” Black says.
North American Made
To avoid overseas shipping uncertainty and minimize lead times, Black strongly recommends considering domestically produced Solarvolt BIPV glass modules. “Solarvolt technology is installed on buildings worldwide, including the Public Safety Building in Salt Lake City and National Academy of Sciences building in Washington, D.C. The modules are tested by Kiwa to IEC standards with IEC, UL, and CAN/CSA certification pending,” she explains.
The push to achieve carbon neutrality in project design requires new means and methods. BIPV technology represents a powerful, proven design choice architects can specify with confidence.
Learn more about how Solarvolt BIPV technology can enhance project design with CO2-free power generation.
