Form and Function - or

Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV)

Today's photovoltaic (PV) modules are now available in a variety of colors and styles, allowing designers to use them as aesthetic elements built right into roofs and facades.

State-of-the-art photovoltaic (PV) systems can be blended into virtually every conceivable structure for homes or commercial buildings. PV modules are relatively unaffected by severe weather. Even hail won't harm them.

Semitransparent Panels

Today's modules can even be specified to transmit a percentage—usually 80% to 90%—of natural light. Mixed with nontransmissive modules, these systems create a pleasant environment inside the building, helping to ventilate and cool the building at the same time.

GPI is using especially the semi-transparent RWE ASI THRU® thin-film solar modules for very beautiful solutions. They convince with their brilliant transparency, as a laminated glass or insulating glass element.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) solar systems, the next revolution in solar power generation!

The solar technology is integrated into the building right from the planning phase and the components are matched to one another in terms of function and efficiency.

When PV systems are properly integrated into a building "envelope", they don't just provide power and light, they contribute to the structure itself. This relatively new concept, called "building-integrated PV," is taking hold.

Think of it this way — since a building has to have windows anyway, why not have windows that produce power?

It makes financial sense, too, because the savings on conventional structural materials often offset the cost of the PV materials.

Another advantage of this innovative concept is aesthetic appeal. Building integrated solar can blend into the building structure thus maintaining the visual and architectural request.

Interest in the building integration of photovoltaics, where the PV elements actually become an integral part of the building, often serving as the exterior weather skin, is growing worldwide. PV specialists and innovative designers in Europe, Japan, the U.S.A. and Thailand are now exploring creative ways of incorporating solar electricity into their work. A whole new vernacular of Solar Electric Architecture is beginning to emerge.

A complete BIPV system includes:

• the PV modules (which might be thin-film or crystalline, transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque);
• a charge controller, to regulate the power into and out of the battery storage bank (in stand-alone systems);
• a power storage system, generally comprised of the utility grid in utility-interactive systems or, a number of batteries in stand-alone systems;
• power conversion equipment including an inverter to convert the PV modules' DC output to AC compatible with the utility grid;
• backup power supplies such as diesel generators (optional-typically employed in stand-alone systems); and
• appropriate support and mounting hardware, wiring, and safety disconnects

There’s always a place for solar power in your building

With a building-integrated solar power system from GPI, you can put solar panels practically anywhere on your building. Our semitransparent solar panels also double as an awning, harnessing the powerful rays of the sun while protecting people and property.

• Solar cells can be incorporated into the façade of a building, complementing or replacing traditional view or spandrel glass. Often, these installations are vertical, reducing access to available solar resources, but the large surface area of buildings can help compensate for the reduced power.
• Photovoltaics may be incorporated into awnings and saw-tooth designs on a building façade. These increase access to direct sunlight while providing additional architectural benefits such as passive shading.
• The use of PV in roofing systems can provide a direct replacement for batten and seam metal roofing and traditional clay or cement shingles.
• Using PV for skylight systems can be both an economical use of PV and an exciting design feature.

Also other architectural solar applications are available to make a substantial difference in a building’s electric bill:

• Shade structures for cars or outdoor walkways and gathering places
• Freestanding pole-mounted arrays that add a design element to the landscape

All the benefits of glass plus integrated solar power

ASI Glass Modules for facades and glass roofs are multifunctional for the shell of the building. In addition to energy generation, they offer a large number of functions which fulfil the demands of a modern solar architecture.

• Energy Generation
• Design
• Glare protection / light guidance
• Shade and transparency
• Protection against the sun and heat
• Roof and facade skin

More infos in these downloads

The downloads below are in portable document format (PDF) format. They require a helper program, such as Adobe Acrobat to be viewed. Usually such a program will be installed on your PC already. If not, you can download it here .

• RWE SCHOTT ASI-F32/12 Solar Module (263 KB)
• RWE SCHOTT ASI-F32/12 Solar Modul (315 KB)
• RWE SCHOTT ASI-THRU thin film solar module, semitransp. (199 KB)
• RWE SCHOTT ASI-THRU Dünnschicht Solarmodul, semitransp. (412 KB)
• RWE SCHOTT ASI-THRU Architecture powered by sun & glass (3 MB)
• RWE SCHOTT ASI-THRU Glas Bauen mit Sonne (2.9 MB)
• RWE SCHOTT ASI-Solar Raw Modules (531 KB)
• PV Systems in different climatic zones (246 KB)
• University of Hongkong - vertical PV array research (239 KB)
• PV Modules System tests (721 KB)

Investing in solar power and renewable energy now builds energy independence and moves us towards a healthier future.

Contact us now for a detailed personal quotation.
Email: info@SiamGPI.com