Building-Integrated Distributed Photovoltaic Systems

In today’s pursuit of sustainable development and green energy, distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems are increasingly popular as an energy solution. Building-integrated distributed PV systems are especially noteworthy, as they provide buildings with clean electricity while blending seamlessly into the architectural design, achieving a balance of aesthetics and functionality.

1. Distributed Photovoltaic Systems

A distributed photovoltaic system is a solar power setup built near the user’s site. It mainly generates power for local use, with excess power fed back to the grid, aiding in balancing the distribution system. It usually consists of solar panels, inverters, and distribution boxes, and can be installed on rooftops, walls, or ground spaces.

Advantages of Distributed Photovoltaic Systems:

1. On-site generation minimizes transmission losses.
2. Flexible configuration to meet users’ electricity needs, improving energy efficiency.
3. Eco-friendly by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
4. Economic benefits through selling excess power or receiving government subsidies, helping recover the investment cost.

2. Characteristics of Building-Integrated Distributed Photovoltaic Systems

Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems integrate PV products directly into a building’s structure. Compared to traditional distributed PV systems, BIPV systems offer the following unique characteristics:

#1. Aesthetic Appeal

BIPV systems integrate seamlessly with the building’s exterior design, enhancing its overall appearance. Solar panels can replace parts of the building, like roof tiles or curtain walls, to provide a modern and technological aesthetic.

2. Functionality

Beyond power generation, BIPV systems can also provide shading, insulation, and thermal regulation, reducing indoor temperatures and air-conditioning use. Some BIPV products also feature water resistance, fire resistance, and wind resistance, enhancing the building’s safety and durability.

3. Integrated Design

BIPV systems require comprehensive integration during the building’s design phase, blending power generation functionality with the building’s structural, electrical, and plumbing systems. This prevents later installation from damaging the building structure, while enhancing system stability and reliability.

3. Types of Building-Integrated Distributed Photovoltaic Systems
4. Rooftop PV Systems

Rooftop PV systems are one of the most common BIPV types. Solar panels are installed on flat, sloped, or curved roofs and secured with brackets or clamps. They can be custom-designed to fit the roof shape and size, maximizing space utilization and generation efficiency, while integrating with the roof’s waterproofing and insulation features.

2. Wall-Mounted PV Systems

Wall-mounted PV systems install solar panels on the building’s outer walls, serving as curtain walls or decorative materials. There are transparent and non-transparent types, with transparent versions allowing natural light through while generating electricity.

#3. Shading PV Systems

Shading PV systems integrate solar panels with shading structures like canopies or blinds. They provide shading for buildings while generating solar energy, achieving dual-purpose energy use.

#4. Other Types

In addition to the above, BIPV systems also include balcony PV systems, window PV systems, and carport PV systems, which can be selected based on different building needs and site conditions.

4. Key Technologies in Building-Integrated Distributed Photovoltaic Systems
5. Solar Cell Technology

Efficient solar cells are the core of BIPV systems. Currently, common solar cell types include monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film cadmium telluride, and copper indium gallium selenide cells. New technologies like dye-sensitized and organic solar cells offer more adjustable color and transparency options for aesthetic integration.

2. Structural Engineering

BIPV systems require careful structural integration to ensure stability and safety. Structural engineering includes rooftop, wall, and shading designs, considering factors like load-bearing, wind, and snow loads for rooftops and fire and sealing performance for walls.

3. Electrical Engineering

BIPV electrical engineering includes panel connection, inverter selection, and distribution box design, ensuring system safety, efficiency, and grid compatibility.

5. Application Examples of Building-Integrated Distributed Photovoltaic Systems
6. China National Grand Theater: Featuring a rooftop PV system with a total installed capacity of 300 kW, generating about 300,000 kWh of clean power annually.
7. Apple’s Headquarters in the USA: Known as the “Spaceship” building, it uses a rooftop PV system with a capacity of 17 MW, generating 40 million kWh annually, meeting most of the headquarters’ electricity needs.

6. Development Prospects of Building-Integrated Distributed Photovoltaic Systems
7. Technological Innovations

As solar cell efficiency improves, BIPV systems will become more cost-effective. Emerging technologies like perovskite and quantum dot solar cells are expected to find applications in BIPV systems, while structural and electrical control innovations will drive enhanced system intelligence.

2. Policy Support

Governments worldwide continue to introduce policies supporting renewable energy, such as subsidies, tax incentives, and grid access, fostering BIPV development. They are also promoting green buildings, encouraging owners to adopt BIPV systems to increase energy efficiency and environmental performance.

3. Market Demand

Growing environmental awareness is driving demand for green buildings. BIPV systems, as a green building technology, are increasingly appealing to property owners and developers, contributing to the spread of clean energy.

Building-integrated distributed PV systems are a promising energy solution, combining clean power with aesthetic and functional design. With ongoing technological advances and policy support, BIPV systems are expected to be widely adopted globally, promoting sustainable energy use and environmental protection.