ARCHITECTURAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAICS

Because of the rising expectations of society with regard to the conse rvation and efficient utilization of energy, the use of renewable form s of energy and the protection of the natural environment in particula r, the building envelope has to fulfil a set of new specifications. On e of them is the incorporation of photovoltaic (PV) modules in the str ucture of a building. In addition to the aim of converting solar energ y into electric power, these PV modules can be used for several other purposes on a building, such as a shading system, wall cladding or roo fing material. But while PV technology contines to be refined the adva ncements in the integration of its equipment in building construction with regard to attaining an aesthetic whole, as well as to draw on the full benefits offered by solar energy, have hardly kept pace. This pa per analyses and defines the reasons for this lack of design quality a nd presents, from an architectural point of view, a perspective of cha nges in the design and building process and in the collaboration on th e building site. These changes are necessary for being able to meet th e goal of creating aesthetically, architecturally and technically plea sing integration of photovoltaics in the built environment.