THE GOALS OF THE BIPV ALLIANCE

The BIPV Alliance has set itself the goal of promoting the spread of building-integrated photovoltaics and removing existing barriers to their use. Building-integrated photovoltaics should become a natural part of buildings.

Building-integrated photovoltaics are characterized by the fact that they are an integral part of the building envelope. Photovoltaic power generation therefore blends into the façade or roof surface in terms of design and construction. This fusion of building and PV system opens up new potential for generating electricity from renewable energies, transforming buildings from energy consumers to energy producers. Building-integrated photovoltaics also help to further increase the acceptance of renewable energies, as they also add value to the design of the building.

However, building-integrated photovoltaics is challenging to implement and involves a number of new legal issues. The main components of building-integrated photovoltaics are both “building element” and “power generation system”. They must therefore meet both structural and electrotechnical requirements. New forms of cooperation and coordination processes are also required at the interface between the construction industry and the energy industry so that the various players can work together.

In the coming years, public buildings in particular will play a pioneering role in the use of building-integrated photovoltaics. Building-integrated photovoltaics can make a decisive contribution to meeting the energy requirements for buildings, which result in particular from EU regulations.

The BIPV Alliance aims to help pave the way for building-integrated photovoltaics to become widely used and taken for granted. The BIPV Alliance therefore aims to ensure a regular exchange of information and experience, to participate in research projects and the development of recognized regulations, and to promote building-integrated photovoltaics to the public. Solutions for better marketing of building-integrated photovoltaics are to be developed together with the players – manufacturers, planners, building owners. In addition, the BIPV Alliance works to improve the legal framework by participating in the relevant associations.