Can a metal roof be replaced directly by Solar panels? With a BIPV roof, yes it can.
Introduction
As the demand for sustainable energy solutions grows, homeowners and businesses are increasingly exploring innovative ways to integrate renewable energy into their buildings. One such innovation is Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), which allows for the direct replacement of traditional roofing materials with solar panels. This blog explores how BIPV technology enables the seamless integration of solar panels into metal roofs, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits.
Building Integrated PhotoVoltaic (BIPV) Roof
Technology
Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) also known as building integrated solar panels, is a technology that integrates solar panels into the building envelope. Through this technology, facades, roofs, walls, corridors, canopies, and many such large and small spaces can be transformed into sources of electricity generation.
Roof integrated solar panels are a form of BIPV. These panels are installed directly onto the roof of a building and can provide electricity to power the building.
Features
- Cost-effective
By replacing the building material with Solar panels, you are essentially saving on the combined cost of material, mounting structures, and the labour involved in the installation of traditional rooftop solar systems.
Whilst conventional roofs of Tin or Asbestos typically need replacement in 10-15 years, you are worry-free for at least 30 years with BIPV Roofs.
- Multi-functional
While traditional rooftop solar plants play a single role of producing electricity, BIPV roofs also work as the primary roof.
- Water-proof
There is a special leak-proof structure designed to make it 100% water-proof. Additionally you can also design a rain-water harvesting mechanism along with the core structure.
- Better space & energy utilisation
BIPV Solar roof accommodates on average 20% more panels than a traditional PV system in the same area (see section “Comparison with Conventional Roofing”).
By eliminating sheet roofing and allowing space for airflow beneath the panels, the BIPV Roof raises the power output by a minimum of 10%.
With bifacial solar panels, you get plenty of natural sunlight during the day which further reduces the power consumption.
- Ease of maintenance
Nowadays, Solar roof systems are designed in such a way that maintenance becomes very easy, for example with walkways. There are also robotic solar panel cleaning machines available in the market for automated cleaning of the entire solar system. Moreover, one can also get AMC services by signing an O&M contract with a Solar Vendor.
- Warranty
Stay stress-free with a 30 years’ Performance warranty and 10-15 years’ Product warranty. Power efficiency degradation is normally 0.4% Y-o-Y, with effective efficiency of 86.4% at the 30th year.
- Sustainable
With a BIPV Solar roof, you’re not just generating green electricity, but eliminating other building materials like metal sheets and mounting structures also helps further reduce the CO2 emissions.
Comparison with Conventional Roofing
Consider an available roof area of 10,000 sq. ft. where a Solar plant is to be installed. Following table compares the various cost parameters for conventional roof with solar panels versus direct BIPV Solar Roof.
You also get a fair idea of the investment required and ROI that can be achieved.
| Comparison of BIPV vs Traditional Solar | |||
| Description | BIPV | Traditional Solar | Difference |
| Area (sq ft) | 10,000 | 10,000 | 0% |
| Solar capacity (kWp) | 182 | 153 | +19% |
| No. of Modules | 313 | 263 | +19% |
| Solar system cost | ₹72,80,000 (₹40k* / kWp) | ₹45,90,000 (₹30k* / kWp) | +58% |
| Total Roofing Cost | ₹0 | ₹12,00,000 (₹120 / sq ft) | -100% |
| Module mounting rails cost | ₹0 | ₹2,75,400 | -100% |
| Walkway with accessories cost | ₹0 | ₹91,800 | -100% |
| Total investment | ₹72,80,000 | ₹61,57,320 | +18% |
| AD Tax savings for first year | ₹10,92,000 | ₹9,23,598 | +18% |
| Effective Investment | ₹61,88,000 | ₹54,68,820 | +13% |
| Effective Cost per sq ft | ₹619 | ₹547 | +13% |
| Effective Cost per kWp | ₹34,000 | ₹35,743 | -5% |
| Expected Annual Solar Generation (kWh) | 2,45,700 | 2,06,550 | +19% |
| Unit Rate | ₹9 | ₹9 | 0% |
| Annual Savings | ₹22,11,300 | ₹18,58,950 | +19% |
| Lifetime Savings (25 Years) | ₹6,19,70,517 | ₹5,21,37,904 | +19% |
| Payback Period (years) | 2.79 | 2.94 | -0.15% |
Thus, for the same roof area, BIPV gives more solar capacity and annual savings at a lesser effective cost compared to conventional rooftop solar.
About Aelius
Aelius, as a Solar Energy Company specialising in BIPV solutions, exemplifies the potential of this technology in achieving green energy goals in a cost-effective way. If you’re considering BIPV for your next building project, our team at Aelius is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how BIPV can benefit your property and contribute to a sustainable future.
Email: [email protected] or Call us +912235584903 / +918689855574.
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