Building integrated PV
OSPS is Europe’s leading supplier of high-end Building Integrated PV systems. We have a dedicated knowledge center of engineers and designers with experience in a vast amount of BIPV projects all across Europe. Together with our parent company Oskomera Group we are able to provide almost every type of BIPV solution.
What is BIPV
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are photovoltaic panels that are used to replace conventional building materials in parts of the building envelope such as the roof, skylights, or facades. They are increasingly being incorporated into the construction of new buildings as a principal or ancillary source of electrical power, although existing buildings may be retrofitted with BIPV modules as well. The advantage of integrated photovoltaics over more common non-integrated systems is that reducing the amount spent on building materials and labor that would normally be used to construct the part of the building that the BIPV modules replace can offset the initial cost. In addition, since BIPV are an integral part of the design, they generally blend in better and are more aesthetically appealing than other solar options. These advantages make BIPV one of the fastest growing segments of the photovoltaic industry. The past decade has ushered in a myriad of BIPV demonstration buildings and other structures. Among them many which have been realized by Oskomera. In both new projects and renovations, BIPV is proving to be an effective building energy technology in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings and structures.
Glazing
For architectural applications many times semi-transparent solar panels are used. In these applications characteristics as architectural values, reduction of glare, UV and solar heat and energy consumption are of great importance. For glazing, normal application methods of ‘regular’ glass can be maintained.
Glass roof structures and atriums
More and more, semi-transparent solar panels are being used for roof structures and atriums. This can be above heated as well as unheated spaces. The reflective characteristics in combination with its high architectonic values provide in a huge expansion of these canopies.
Façades
Semitransparent solar panels can also be used in curtain walls. The panels can be used as standard insulated glass in a curtain wall. The junction box will be on the edge of the panel and out of sight. The panels can easily replace other façade covering e.g. natural stone.
Awning
Due to the reduction of glare, semitransparent solar panels can easily be used as awning placed above windows or in front of façades. So the panels act as a sun visor and provide in nice silhouettes.
