#Building #integrated #photovoltaics (#BIPV) are photovoltaic elements that replace conventional building materials in parts of the building envelope like #roofs and #facades.
They serve as an integral part of the building #skin, simultaneously generating electricity from #solar energy and providing functions like #weather protection, #thermal #insulation, and daylight #illumination.
In Europe, BIPV systems are increasingly being incorporated into new buildings as a primary or supplementary source of electrical power. However, BIPV technologies have not yet been independently classified under any standard, regulation, or set of guidelines that could serve as harmonized guidelines for the European market.
It is possible to establish nearly #zeroenergy cities in Europe by transforming buildings into energy prosumers using BIPV on their skins.
Europe has sufficient solar irradiation to make BIPV a viable option among renewable energy technologies.
Advancements in energy-efficient, flexible, colored and transparent solar materials allow for wider applications of BIPV.
Cost and aesthetic acceptance have been the main limitations to the spread of BIPV, but costs have decreased consistently recently.
The #EU is promoting the Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (#NZEB) concept and #exploitation of #Renewable #Energy Sources (#RES), transforming buildings into #microenergy #hubs consuming, generating, storing and supplying energy.
BIPV has significant potential in #Europe to contribute to the concept of nearly zero-energy #cities, but challenges remain in terms of standards, costs, and aesthetic acceptance that need to be addressed to achieve wider adoption.
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