Title: Architectural integration of photovoltaics in the building façade: a framework for architects' design process

Authors: Mariam Ahmad; Hina Zia

Addresses: Department of Architecture, F/O Architecture and Ekistics, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi-110025, India ' Department of Architecture, F/O Architecture and Ekistics, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi-110025, India

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system, is a method to create a functional, energy generating building skin. Though BIPV has the term 'building integrated', the complete architectural integration of the photovoltaic system is still missing. To achieve architectural integration, it is important to understand the connotations attached to a building material for functioning as façade. Aim of this paper is developing a framework for creating a systematic process, turning photovoltaic system into the building skin. A sequential five step process is developed to create an efficient, effective framework to achieve architectural integrability and turn photovoltaic system into optimally performing building skin. This is achieved by identifying the barriers in the process of architectural integration and their assessment of impact severity, thus suggesting possibilities for viable solutions. The solutions to the barriers lead to the formulation of design strategies.

Keywords: barriers; integrational framework; building integrated photovoltaic; BIPV; photovoltaic façade; architectural integration; thin film technology; façade integrated photovoltaic system; energetic building skin.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRET.2022.120342

International Journal of Renewable Energy Technology, 2022 Vol.13 No.1, pp.84 - 100

Received: 05 Jun 2021
Accepted: 18 Jul 2021
Published online: 14 Jan 2022 *