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REVIEW
opportunities and challenges
Akash Kumar Shukla1, K. Sudhakar1,2,*, Prashant Baredar1 and R. Mamat2
1
Energy Centre, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology Bhopal, India
2
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26600 Pahang, Malaysia
In building integrated photovoltaic systems, PV elements are integral of the building which displace the
use of conventional building materials. BIPV serves as the external lined covering and also acts as a
support structure for the building. BIPV system has many benefits such as on-site generation of
electricity, architectural elegance, reduced cost of the building construction and increased market
acceptance of the buildings. PV professionals from several countries have been working from several
years to improve the design for building application. This paper identifies the solar potential for BIPV
application, function of BIPV, possible design and integration strategies with reference to Southeast
countries. Finally, Barrier and challenges of implementing BIPV system have been examined.
sector. By the application of green technologies, the construction climate is Hot, warm and humid all year round with average
sector helps to achieve sustainable development [7]. temperature of 27 C and plentiful rainfall. The summer monsoon
This paper aims to identify the role and application of BIPV in brings a humid climate and torrential rainfall to these areas. Due to
the sustainable building of south Asian countries. This review will the geographical locations there are very little climatic variations
address related issues on solar resource potential, BIPV design, amongst the countries. Most of these countries are considered as
Integration strategies, and Function of BIPV technology. Finally, developing and middle-income countries [8]. In terms of solar
the article also discusses the barrier and challenges of BIPV system energy, they have a similar resource potential as shown in Figure 1.
and future direction is highlighted. Solar radiations can be converted to electricity through solar
photovoltaic route and useful thermal energy through solar ther-
Solar resource potential in South-East Asia mal route [9]. Availability of reliable solar radiation data is vital for
Basic profile of South East Asia the success of solar energy installations in different sites of the
South-East Asia is a region covering 4,875,068 km2 which consist country. For solar Photovolatic applications, Global Horizontal
of 3,209,506 km2 of land and 1,665,562 km2 of water. More than Irradiance is useful whereas for solar collectors which are concen-
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85% of South-East Asia covers the area between 10 N and 10 S. trating in nature Direct Normal Irradiance is required. For design-
Southeast Asian comprises ten member countries; Brunei, Cam- ing concentrating solar thermal power plants, DNI data is a pre-
bodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, requisite [10]. Table 1 shows summary of the progress made in
Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, with a combined total popu- solar PV and Renewable Energy targets for all the Southeast Asian
lation of around 540 million [11]. The population varies from the countries. Thailand has high levels of insolation all over the
fourth world populous country like Indonesia with 238 million country. The insolation ranges from 1825 to 1935 kWh/m2 per
people to the least populace country of Brunei (365,251, July year, averaging about 1875 kWh/m2 per year. High values are
2004). South-East Asia can be regarded as a region of tropical observed particularly during April and May; with insolation in
islands because most of the lands are surrounded by ocean with the range of 5.6–6.7 kWh/m2 per day. The north eastern and
an average distance of less than 200 km from the sea. Nearly half of northern regions receive roughly 6–8 sunlight hours per day [11].
the total area is in the form of peninsulas and extended subconti-
nents are part of mainland Asia, and remaining area consist of BIPV market trends
thousands of islands. Southeast Asia is the most diverse region in Building Integrated Photovoltaic’s (BIPV) refer to PV products that
terms of population, geography, culture, and level of socio-eco- are used in building as replacements for conventional building
nomic development. materials. BIPV dons dual role of energy generation and building
material, providing considerable savings in material and electricity
Climatic conditions costs [11].
The climate in Southeast Asia have quite similar climatic condi- Owners of commercial buildings are increasingly more inter-
tions and is mainly tropical with some sub tropical highlands. The ested in installing BIPV, to enhance the aesthetics and obtain
FIGURE 1
Solar resource potential in Southeast Asia (https://solargis.info/).
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Renewable Energy Focus Volume 21, Number 00 October 2017 REVIEW
TABLE 1
Summary of solar PV and RE targets in ASEAN countries [36,11].
Country Average solar insolation (kWh/m2/day 2013 installed Targets by Primary renewable energy
and kWh/m2/year) capacity (MW) year (MW) (respectively)
Thailand 5.0–5.3 kWh/m2/day, 1875 kWh/m2/year 690.6 19,635 (2036) Hydropower, biomass, solar and wind
Malaysia 4.5 kWh/m2/day, 1643 kWh/m2/year 74.7 4000 (2030) Solar, biomass
Indonesia 4.8 kWh/m2/day, 1752 kWh/m2/year 42.8 74.5 Geothermal, hydro, biomass and solar
Philippines 4.5–5.5 kWh/m2/day, 1862 kWh/m2/year 14.6 89.9 Geothermal, hydro and wind
Singapore 4.5 kWh/m2/day, 1635 kWh/m2/year 15.6 350 (2020) Solar, solid waste
Vietnam 1825 kWh/m2/year (Southern). 4 20,700 (2020) Hydro, biomass
1460 kWh/m2/year (northern)
Brunei 5.43 kWh/m2/day, 1982 kWh/m2/year 1.2 – –
Cambodia 5 kWh/m2/day, 1825 kWh/m2/year 1.5 2241 (2020) Hydropower and biomass
Myanmar 5 kWh/m2/day, 1825 kWh/m2/year – – Hydro, biomass
3.6–5.5 kWh/m2/day – –
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Laos Hydropower, biogas, solar
‘green’ rating for their property. The BIPV is used to balance the The up scaling of BIPV market will be possible only if non-
energy generation and energy consumption of the building. The technical barriers that hinder the application of BIPV are addressed
sustainable building envelope has the following characteristics: and dealt successfully.
Affordable, Durable, Energy-positive, Environmental, Healthy and
comfortable, Intelligent. BIPV system: a multifunctional technology
With the recent developments in the PV technology, BIPVs are BIPV is a multifunctional technology applied for various purposes
being designed to completely replace building components such including electricity generation, weather protection, noise protec-
as windows, roofs and façades; and in structural components such tion, thermal insulation, or daylight modulation (Figure 2) [17].
as railings, porches, and balconies [12]. BIPV installations are Roof integrated and facade integrated BIPV systems act as a rain
growing worldwide due to its benefits of onsite electricity genera- screen; and semitransparent BIPV can provide diffused, natural
tion and its positive impact on improving energy performance of day lighting [37]. Multifunctional BIPV components act as UV
buildings. While BIPVs are by and large utilized as a part of new filters, prevent fires, and provide thermal and noise insulation [19].
building developments, stringent energy efficiency norms are The rapid progress of the PV technology evolving from rigid,
stimulating demand in retrofit projects as well [13]. thick solar panels into a variety of flexible semitransparent in
The aesthetic appeal of BIPV will continue to be the major source different colors, made possible to expand and transform tradi-
of attraction for building architects and end-users [14]. Research tional buildings into energy generating constructions [18]. BIPV
and development efforts focused on increasing innovative BIPV components helps to reduce the cooling load and glare associated
products are also supporting the market growth. Technology with architectural glazing. In addition, BIPV serve as shading
advances related to flexible, thin-film, transparent solar materials, elements and daylight modulators, reducing building energy con-
energy-efficient materials, such as CIGS, organic PV, and dye- sumption in the first place.
synthesized cells (DSC) are also expected to play a prominent role
in the development of cost-effective high-performance BIPV sys-
tems (Figure 2) [15]. 14
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
6
Year
FIGURE 2
BIPV installations forecast by PV technology. FIGURE 3
Source: Nanomarkets. Growth of BIPV market (billion dollars).
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FIGURE 4
Multiple function of BIPV module [37].
BIPV systems are being designed to blend with traditional engineering design, and economic factors play a decisive role in
building materials design to a high-technology, potential aesthetic recognizing the advantages and potentials of building-integrated
appearance and solutions. This important shift into a multifunc- photovoltaic’s (BIPV) to meet specific project requirements. PV
tional device with architectural qualities is an important aspect for modules can be applied to the building envelope by using several
widespread adoption of BIPV. The following are the various func- methods depending on the level of integration and functions they
tions of BIPV beside the fundamental production of electricity perform [20].
(Figure 4) [37]. The large variety of BIPV products provides opportunities to
Electromagnetic shielding replace many of the building components, including roofs and
Aesthetic quality facades. The building envelope bound to be waterproof and it
Noise protection walls (up to 25 db is possible) creates a border between the inner controlled building environ-
Weatherproof (waterproof and windproof) ment and the outer climate [21]. Moreover, the facades and roofs
Privacy protection panels regulates and control functions in relation to the daylight, venti-
Sun protection/shadowing; solar protection fins and protection lation, energy, safety, and privacy protection, etc. It fulfills the
panels and canopies priority of ensuring the comfortable inner-climate with least
Thermal insulation (heating as well as cooling), by cooling energy expense [22].
through rear ventilation
Visual cover/refraction BIPV integration strategies
Safety glass The performance of a BIPV system is optimized during the initial
stages of design and integration into a building. The material/instal-
BIPV system design and integration strategies lation costs and electrical output curves differ based on integration.
BIPV design option For example, horizontal roof BIPVs which serves as building enve-
The following strategies are proposed for energy responsible facade lope and vertical curtain walls BIPV are different due to each other’s
design approach for warm and humid climates in Asia. The build- position relative to the sun [23]. The specific characteristics of a
ing location, climatic conditions size, orientation are the most project, such as building layout, sitting and surroundings are evalu-
important factor with respect to the application of BIPV in build- ated first to determine the best optimum integration strategy for
ings. The integration of BIPV into architectural design is a topical BIPV applications. As a result, variations in efficiencies are observed
and prevalent theme that presents innovative approaches and among various BIPV applications. The typical Façade applications
opportunities for consultants, architects and design engineers include vertical curtain wall, inclined curtain wall, and stepped
and drivers of innovation. The combined energetic, architectural, curtain wall; the roof applications normally include inclined roofs
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Renewable Energy Focus Volume 21, Number 00 October 2017 REVIEW
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FIGURE 5
Typical application of BIPV.
and skylight monitors (Figure 5). Different strategies for PV building loads. By utilizing BIPV and minimizing the electricity needs, the
integration are given in Table 2 [35]. designer maximizes the potential energy cost savings [28].
Beyond comfort and aesthetics, BIPV design considerations take
account of environmental and structural factors. Environmental Optimize the generation of electricity
factors comprises of a structure’s solar access, average seasonal The solar radiation availability generally matches with the electric
outdoor temperatures, local weather conditions, shading and loads of the building throughout the day and year [35]. BIPV
shadowing from nearby structures and trees, and the site’s latitude, system should be designed to optimize electrical output. For
which influences the optimum BIPV system orientation and tilt example, typical energy use in office buildings during the summer
[24]. Structural factors include a building’s energy requirements, season peaks near noon when there is the greatest solar potential.
which influences the electrical characteristics, system sizing and For maximizing the energy output, the optimum orientation, tilt
the BIPV s operation and maintenance requirements. angle, size and location of the BIPV system has to be determined in
To achieve the best possible design and value for the BIPV relation to the building site and design [36].
systems, both environmental and structural factors must be taken
into consideration during the design stages [25]. BIPV design Tilt
requires expertise and in-depth knowledge of the building profes- Maximum solar intensity falls on a horizontal surface perpendic-
sion. Design strategies for BIPV capitalize on the multifunctional ular to the sun’s rays. Inclined PV surface increases the amount of
nature of building components that also generate electricity [26]. sunlight incident on the surface and thereby increases the electri-
cal output [29]. Proper orientation of BIPV panels according to
BIPV design factors for integration certain times of day and year, it is possible to optimize solar
To best integrate BIPV into a building, design teams should collection to match loads. Studies have shown that, the tilt of
consider an integrated design approach to successfully address the installation directly affects energy output and economics
issues surrounding aesthetic, construction requirements, electric- associated with energy savings [30].
ity demand and generation. The BIPV design strategies include
minimizing electric loads, optimizing system configuration, elec- Orientation
tricity generation, maximizing efficiency of energy storage and The total amount of sunlight striking on a surface is a function of
meeting aesthetic criteria. tilt and orientation. In general, a typical commercial application
largely uses horizontal southern or vertical western installations to
Minimize electric loads collect more suns energy [31]. South oriented BIPV systems are
The designers first consideration in BIPV applications is to maxi- more efficient than east- and west-facing façades. Nevertheless,
mize efficiency and minimize the building’s energy demand or vertically mounted BIPVs system with east/west orientation yields
electricity load. The following integrated energy design strategies up to 60% of the optimally inclined south orientation.
such as building envelope improvements, day lighting techniques
and natural ventilation applications helps to reduce the load [27]. Sizing
The main goal is to meet the building’s energy needs with PV- Design constraints typically determine the capacity of BIPV sys-
generated electricity and then supplement the remaining loads tems rather than electric load requirements. Even with the on-site
with local utility grid. Additionally, energy-efficient lighting and BIPV generation, buildings imports electricity because of their
HVAC equipment can be installed to minimize building energy significant energy requirements. Commercial BIPV systems are
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REVIEW Renewable Energy Focus Volume 21, Number 00 October 2017
TABLE 2
Different strategies for BIPV building integration [35].
BIPV integration strategies Remarks
Inclined roof/atrium space BIPV as a roof element for weatherproofing, structural, and snow accumulation issues. The seasonal
performances vary according to the Tilt angle and orientation.
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PV skylights (shed roof system) PV skylights can be easily used in existing building renovations for day lighting benefits with good
PV efficiency.
Inclined PV/stepped curtain wall BIPV on an inclined/curtain wall is an efficient collection strategy for reducing building footprint. It
requires a complex construction.
Vertical curtain wall (with windows) BIPV are integrated into a curtain wall to avoid overshadowing and minimize sealing problems. In
general, opaque PV, semitransparent PV, or clear glazing can be used as a fairly economical vertical
curtain wall strategy.
Sawtooth vertical curtain wall A sawtooth vertical curtain provides passive self-shading, day lighting control and multiple ``corner”
windows. It can work efficiently for certain orientations.
often designed to serve a dedicated load, such as irrigation control, Maximize efficiency of energy storage
landscape lighting or to more directly link output to demand. A energy storage device is needed as BIPVs generates electricity
Variation in climatic conditions and available surface areas also only during the day. In most commercial applications, hybrid
limits the sizing of BIPV systems [32]. systems (battery plus grid-connected configurations), are used to
provide the added benefit of protection from power interrup-
Location tions. Additionally, battery-stored energy may offset the
BIPV’s should be located in a place where neighboring landscapes demand and reduce the high-energy costs during peak hours.
or tall structures are not present or anticipated in the future to The following considerations are important for battery storage
ensure long term solar access and avoid shading effect. It is critical [34].
not to locate BIPV panels on shading areas which inhibits the Assess the hours of non-solar input power.
production of electricity [33]. Homogeneous solar access to solar The daily power requirement (amp-hours) is multiplied with
cell with the lowest illumination level determines the operating the time.
current for all of the cells wired in that series and it ensures best A safety factor is added to avoid over draining of the battery
performance. bank and depth of discharge.
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Renewable Energy Focus Volume 21, Number 00 October 2017 REVIEW
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BIPV Implementation framework is crucial in encompassing the previous researches. The other barriers in implementation of BIPV
successful application of BIPV in Southeast Asian countries. Fig- are the lack of promotion, lack of incentive, lack of expertise,
ure 6 shows the barriers and drivers in the implementation of BIPV product design, flexibility and durability; and adoption readiness.
in Malaysian context [11] which holds well in other Southeast One of the prime drivers is incentives and promotion which may
Asian countries as well. On one hand, the drivers are the solution help in overcoming the existing barriers in spite of several other
FIGURE 6
BIPV Implementation [38].
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