Building-Integrated PV (BIPV)

BIPV does a building's job as well as making power, because the modules are the surface itself. They might be the weathering layer of a roof, the cladding of a wall or the glass of a canopy.

That makes it a different job from fitting panels to a finished house. A BIPV element must suit the design, the building envelope and the wiring at once. Therefore it belongs in the drawings early. Our explainer on what BIPV is and how it differs from ordinary panels covers the terms in more detail.

Not every project needs BIPV, because framed panels are often fine. It earns its place where the building surface is part of the design. Four cases come up most often.

We work from the architect's intent, because the drawings should lead. You may bring a concept, planning drawings or a full package. In each case we treat the PV as a building element. We work through the joins, weathering, fixings and cable routes.

Self-builders face the same questions, although in a different order. Our piece on designing solar into a self-build from the first sketch sets out when each decision falls due.

Early BIPV work needs good information. Plans, sections and elevations show where the building can generate power. A site plan shows orientation and overshadowing.

We then test options against the design intent. For example, a glazed canopy may give shade and power together, while a plain roof pitch may give more output for less money. We explain each trade-off in plain terms.

Finally, we set out a clear specification. It covers the product, the fixing method, the cable routes and the joins with other trades. As a result, the builder prices a defined package instead of guessing.

BIPV products vary widely, so we check that each one suits the building before we recommend it. Fire, structure and ventilation are real questions, because an integrated element does more than a panel does. We involve the project team early for that reason.

Timing matters as well. Lead times for specialist glass and cladding can be long, so we flag them at the start. Then the programme can allow for them, instead of stalling when the order is placed.

BIPV covers more than one product. A solar roof tile is one form of it, and our guide to solar roof tiles in the UK looks at that end of the range, while glazing, cladding and canopies sit at the other end.

Because firms use the term loosely, we say exactly what a system is. A genuine integrated element is not the same as a framed panel with an integrated label.

In London, BIPV for London extensions and rooflights often suits tight plots, while in university cities solar for Oxford's historic streets calls for more restraint. Tell us about your site through the enquiry form.