Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) can be defined as “photovoltaic materials that are used to replace conventional building materials in parts of the building envelope such as the roof, skylights, or facades.”
Furthermore, as described by Steven Strong, the Godfather of BIPV, “BIPV has become one of the most powerful visual manifestations of green design…[as]…BIPV is unique in its visibility…[and]…With continued progress in component and systems development, BIPV is destined to become ubiquitous in the built environment.”
Based on this projection, BIPV can solve the aesthetic crisis that we have seen plague so many homes and buildings as well as creating innovation to utilize any and all surfaces to become energy harvesters to power its internal infrastructure.
When engaged within the built environment, BIPV has the potential to excel sustainable design and high performance buildings and what they are capable of. This allows for a climate of advancing the energy needs of the present without compromising the power needs of future.
DERA 