FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)?
Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are solar panels that double as functional building materials. Integrated into roofs, façades, windows, and other structural elements, BIPV solutions generate electricity while preserving or enhancing architectural aesthetics.
2. How does BIPV differ from traditional solar panels?
Traditional solar panels are typically mounted on top of existing structures, often as an afterthought to design. In contrast, BIPV replaces conventional building materials, integrating solar technology directly into the building envelope. BIPV also offers higher design flexibility and can be customized in form, color, and transparency — something conventional panels cannot offer.
3. What types of buildings can benefit from BIPV solutions?
BIPV is ideal for a wide variety of structures, including residential buildings with solar-integrated rooftops and façades, as well as commercial and industrial properties that benefit from energy-efficient office spaces and factory setups. By seamlessly blending solar technology into the building envelope, BIPV enhances both performance and design across multiple sectors.
4. What are the advantages of integrating BIPV into my building?
Integrating BIPV into a building offers multiple advantages. It enhances aesthetic appeal by seamlessly blending with modern architectural designs, ensuring the solar components do not disrupt the visual integrity of the structure. BIPV systems also improve energy efficiency, generating clean power on-site and significantly reducing electricity bills. From an environmental perspective, they promote sustainability by supporting net-zero energy goals. Additionally, BIPV optimizes space utilization, making use of existing building surfaces without the need for additional land.
5. How efficient is BIPV compared to conventional solar panels?
BIPV systems use advanced photovoltaic technology and can deliver comparable or even superior efficiency to traditional panels. Performance depends on factors such as the type of solar cells used, building orientation, shading, and local climate conditions.
6. Are BIPV panels customizable?
Yes. Aelius offers fully customizable BIPV solutions, including options for size, shape, color, transparency, and layout allowing seamless integration with the architectural vision of any project.