Green building Features for June 2008

Green building Features Archive

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): innovation puts spotlight on solar Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): innovation puts spotlight on solar

In a time when solar PV is characterised as being a prohibitively expensive alternative form of energy (subsidies notwithstanding) one application area that could make a real difference to perceptions is BIPV (Building Integrated PV). This application can effectively enable building owners to save on construction costs of new buildings while at the same time generate a portion of their own electricity. Further progress requires a high level of innovation to truly bring solar PV into buildings, while making the technology even more affordable. Fortunately, there are signs that such inventiveness is now making a difference.