BIPVBOOST project solution for cost reduction and roll-out of building-integrated photovoltaic technology
Reducing the cost of BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic) systems has always been the goal of the BIPVBOOST project. For more than four years, the project consortium has developed innovations across the BIPV value chain, from the fabrication of BIPV building components, to digital tools for BIPV system design and operations (O&M), and the standardization of these systems.
The BIPVBOOST project aims to significantly increase the deployment of BIPV technology in the market.
Building-integrated photovoltaic technology has the potential to make a significant contribution to the energy efficiency targets set by the European Union. However, in recent years, the industry has struggled to provide holistic solutions that meet the critical needs of construction managers and end-users, such as cost reduction, design flexibility, high performance, long-term reliability, aesthetics, standardization, and compliance with building codes and energy market regulations.
Reduce the cost of building-integrated photovoltaic technology
In this context, the main objective of the BIPVBOOST project is to reduce the cost of multifunctional BIPV systems, through the effective implementation of solutions, technologies and roadmaps that limit additional costs compared to traditional non-PV building solutions and non-integrated PV modules, thereby enabling the widespread implementation of near-zero energy buildings (nZEB).
The consortium involves key industrial and research partners covering the BIPV value chain.
The consortium is funded by nearly 8.9 million euros from the European Commission's Horizon 2020 program, coordinated by Tecnalia, the Spanish research and technology development center, and made up of 19 members from seven European countries: Spain, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. In addition to Tecnalia, partners in Spain include Onyx Energía Solar, Mondragón Sociedad Cooperativa, Instituto de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos de Concentracion (Isfoc) and Comsa.
As for the results of the BIPVBOOST project, which ended in May last year, it demonstrated a fully flexible and automated BIPV control and production line under real operating conditions; Optimally integrated multi-functional BIPV portfolio in the building envelope installed at four demonstration sites; Digital-based energy management processes and innovations; and advanced standardization activities to support the qualification of BIPV systems implemented at scale in the building skin.
BIPV Product Catalog
The project developed a cost-effective catalogue of BIPV products, which were optimally integrated into the building envelope, installed at four demonstration sites. The BIPVBOOST catalog shows products (modules, building cladding solutions, digital tools) and guidelines for the correct use of solutions developed within the framework of the project.
The BIPV product catalog shows products and guidelines for the proper use of the developed solution.
These solutions are based on a multifunctional BIPV façade cladding system with integrated insulation called PIC; The low-cost Click&Go substructure of BIPV modules based on the Click&Go installation system enables ultra-fast, safe and cost-effective installation of a wide range of frameless PV module sizes; improved and cost-effective BIPV façade and roof systems for metal CIGS; and a portfolio of low-cost and aesthetically pleasing BIPV glass-to-glass products based on c-Si (single-sided and double-sided), back-contact and a-Si technologies for different applications.
Specifically, the latter includes translucent glass-to-glass a-Si glass, which competes with digital printing; low-cost, large-format, thick glass-to-glass bifacial battery modules for railings; and walkable floors with BC glass glass. In this way, a wide range of applications (curtain walls, railings, pedestrian floors and ventilated facades) can be addressed, providing products with the best balance in terms of aesthetics, performance and cost.
At the headquarters of Mondragón Assembly, located in Aretxabaleta, a ventilated façade with a glass-on-glass BIPV module was installed.
The solutions were installed at four pilot sites, two of which were located in Spain. The first demonstration site corresponds to the Mondragon Assembly headquarters building in Aretxabaleta (Spain), where the main façade was restored with the addition of a ventilated façade made of glass BIPV modules custom-made by Onyx. The total demonstration area is 150 m2 and the installed photovoltaic power is 21.6 kWp.
The second demonstration site is located in the Isfoc headquarters building in Puertollano (Ciudad Real), where a double-sided translucent glass-to-glass railing has been installed. A total of 136 m2 is distributed in the south, east and west directions of the building, with a power of 13.5 kWp. In addition, the 70 m2 roof surface has been replaced by a glass-to-glass walkable floor module with rear contact unit technology for a total power of 9.2 kWp.
Isfoc's headquarters in Puertollano has a double-sided translucent glass-to-glass railing with a walkable floor module on the roof. Compiled by Chen Jiaoyun
The other two demonstration sites are located in a single-family residential building in Mons (Belgium) with a roof renovated with a lightweight BIPV module developed by Flisom and Schweizer, with a demonstration area of 140 m2 and an installed photovoltaic capacity of 10 kWp; A multi-family residential building in Morbeño, Italy, whose façade has been refurbished with multifunctional BIPV opaque façade cladding with integrated insulation. The BIPV installation has a total area of 60 m2 and an installed photovoltaic power of 10 kWp.
State-of-the-art BIPV manufacturing, digital ecosystem, and standardization
On the other hand, for advanced BIPV manufacturing, the project has developed a flexible and automated BIPV component production line, which greatly reduces costs throughout the process.
In addition, BIPVBOOST has developed a digital ecosystem to address each step in the BIPV reference workflow, providing interoperable applications connected to BIMsolar's core digital platform. Development of a cloud-based energy management system for Level 3 buildings, including BIPV generation and storage management; BIPV Digital Twin, a diagnostic and fault detection tool; Work was carried out on augmented reality to support the implementation of BIPV from the early design stage; Development of BIM-based software tools to support the design, manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance of BIPV processes; and a digital adoption plan and a guide to a data-driven BIPV process. Best practices and recommendations are developed in the form of a digital adoption plan.
BIPVBOOST has developed a digital ecosystem to address each step in the BIPV reference workflow.
Finally, to drive standardization, BIPVBOOST provides an overview of the current regulatory framework in the BIPV space, the definition of relevant gaps, and key aspects of the new testing approach. To overcome these obstacles and challenges, the project has advanced new procedures developed for the qualification of certain BIPV product requirements, with the aim of addressing a more comprehensive qualification program and facilitating the introduction of products to market.
The project establishes new test performance evaluation procedures in the areas of energy economy, mechanical safety, electrical safety, and fire safety.
With the development of all these tools and solutions, the BIPVBOOST project demonstrates the potential of the construction industry to achieve decarbonization by integrating photovoltaic energy systems into buildings.