TITLE:
Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems for Single Family Dwellings: Innovation Concepts
AUTHORS:
Ali M. Memari, Lisa D. Iulo, Ryan L. Solnosky, Christopher R. Stultz
KEYWORDS:
Photovoltaic, Energy Efficiency, Solar Power, Single-Family Dwellings, Building Integrated Photovoltaic System
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Civil Engineering,
Vol.4 No.2,
June
25,
2014
ABSTRACT: Growing consumer interest in distributed Building Integrated
Photovoltaic (BIPV) Systems and industry competition to reduce installation
costs are stimulating the development of deploying these materials to the
residential sector of the building industry. This emerging market continues to
attract the attention of many stakeholders, yet cohesive opportunities to
deploy in residential sectors, specifically detached single-family dwellings,
is scattered. As a result, this study of literature and implementation
strategies through simple examples looks to identify several characteristics
related to BIPV. Characteristics that were studied in this initial pilot study
were design considerations for system selection, applicability to residential
construction, and system and material options and enhancements. A case-study
home was analyzed demonstrating opportunity for implementation of BIPV on an
existing residence. Strategies for maximizing the energy-generating capacity of
the system to achieve net-zero energy performance, including all building
surfaces and landscaping were also explored. This body of work provides a state-of-the-art
review on common materials as well as the more customizable types.