Integrating Solar Cells into Building Materials (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics - BIPV) to Turn Buildings into Self-Sustaining Energy Sources

M S Hossen; Khorshed Alam; Md Ali Mostakim; Upal Mahmud; Md Al Imran; Abdullah Al Fathah

doi:10.18535/ijsrm/v10i9.ec05

Abstract

The integration of solar cells into building materials, known as Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), represents a transformative approach to sustainable construction. By converting building surfaces—such as rooftops, facades, and windows—into energy-generating elements, BIPV systems aim to create self-sustaining structures that minimize reliance on traditional power grids. This paper explores the key components, types, and materials used in BIPV systems, including crystalline silicon, thin-film, and emerging organic photovoltaic technologies. BIPV is shown to offer both environmental and economic advantages, such as reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and long-term energy cost savings. However, the deployment of BIPV faces challenges, including high initial costs, technological limitations, and regulatory constraints, which must be addressed to maximize its potential impact.

To illustrate BIPV's capabilities and limitations, case studies of successful applications across different geographic and climatic conditions are examined. These cases demonstrate the effectiveness of BIPV in generating clean energy and reducing energy expenses, highlighting the technology's viability in diverse settings. Additionally, the paper discusses ongoing advancements, such as transparent solar cells and flexible applications, that could further enhance the efficiency and accessibility of BIPV. The findings underscore the importance of policy support, technological innovation, and increased awareness in promoting BIPV as a standard practice in modern architecture. Ultimately, BIPV has the potential to reshape urban environments, making buildings not only energy-efficient but also key contributors to a sustainable energy future.

References

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[refR-2] Attoye, D. E. (2020). Building integrated photovoltaics: barriers and drivers in the United Arab Emirates.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-3] Baig, H., Sellami, N., & Mallick, T. K. (2015). Performance modeling and testing of a building integrated concentrating photovoltaic (BICPV) system. Solar energy materials and solar cells, 134, 29-44.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-4] Eiffert, P. (2003). Guidelines for the economic evaluation of building-integrated photovoltaic power systems (No. NREL/TP-550-31977). National Renewable Energy Lab.(NREL), Golden, CO (United States).Google Scholar ↗

[refR-5] Zhu, Y., Shu, L., & Fan, Z. (2020). Recent progress on semi-transparent perovskite solar cell for building-integrated photovoltaics. Chemical Research in Chinese Universities, 36(3), 366-376.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-6] ElDabosy, M. M., & Sheta, S. (2020). Life Cycle Assessment of PV Systems: Integrated Design Approach for Affordable Housing in Al-Burullus Graduates Villages. MEJ-Mansoura Engineering Journal, 43(1), 33-40.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-7] Kosorić, V., Huang, H., Tablada, A., Lau, S. K., & Tan, H. T. (2019). Survey on the social acceptance of the productive façade concept integrating photovoltaic and farming systems in high-rise public housing blocks in Singapore. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 111, 197-214.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-8] Liu, H., Li, S., Chen, W., Wang, D., Li, C., Wu, D., ... & Wang, K. (2018). Scattering enhanced quantum dots based luminescent solar concentrators by silica microparticles. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 179, 380-385.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-9] Baig, H. (2015). Enhancing performance of building integrated concentrating photovoltaic systems. University of Exeter (United Kingdom).Google Scholar ↗

[refR-10] Prieto, A., Knaack, U., Auer, T., & Klein, T. (2017). Solar coolfacades: Framework for the integration of solar cooling technologies in the building envelope. Energy, 137, 353-368.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-11] Kamaruzzaman, S. N., Abdul-Rahman, H., Wang, C., Karim, S. B., & Lee, T. Y. (2012). Solar technology and building implementation in Malaysia: A national paradigm shift. Maejo International Journal of Science and Technology, 6(2), 196.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-12] Prieto, A., Knaack, U., Auer, T., & Klein, T. (2019). COOLFACADE: State-of-the-art review and evaluation of solar cooling technologies on their potential for façade integration. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 101, 395-414.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-13] Chaudhary, A. A. (2022). Asset-Based Vs Deficit-Based Esl Instruction: Effects On Elementary Students Academic Achievement And Classroom Engagement. Migration Letters, 19(S8), 1763-1774.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-14] Bach, L., Hopkins, D., & Stephenson, J. (2020). Solar electricity cultures: Household adoption dynamics and energy policy in Switzerland. Energy Research & Social Science, 63, 101395.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-15] Chaudhary, A. A. (2018). EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF MULTICULTURAL LITERATURE ON EMPATHY AND CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION. Remittances Review, 3(2), 183-205.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-16] Algoso, D., Braun, M., & Del Chiaro, B. (2005). Bringing Solar to Scale: California's Opportunity to Create a Thriving, Self-Sustaining Residential Solar Market.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-17] Finley, J. J. (2009, July). Megatrends in the commercial glazing market–a challenge for the glass industry. In 69th Conference on Glass Problems, Volume 30, Issue 1 (No. 1, p. 191). John Wiley & Sons.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-18] Chaudhary, A. A. (2018). EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF MULTICULTURAL LITERATURE ON EMPATHY AND CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION. Remittances Review, 3(2), 183-205.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-19] Jia, X., Baird, E. C., Blochwitz-Nimoth, J., Reineke, S., Vandewal, K., & Spoltore, D. (2021). Selectively absorbing small-molecule solar cells for self-powered electrochromic windows. Nano Energy, 89, 106404.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-20] Keller, T. (2011). Multifunctional and robust composite material structures for sustainable construction. In Advances in FRP Composites in Civil Engineering: Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on FRP Composites in Civil Engineering (CICE 2010), Sep 27–29, 2010, Beijing, China (pp. 20-25). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg.Google Scholar ↗