A Systematic Approach for the Integration of BIPV Planning into the Construction Planning Process

The integration of PV into buildings is an essential cornerstone for the energy transformation. It also allows power systems in an urban context to be aesthetically appealing. Despite their potential, as economically feasible and space-saving renewable energy converters, building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) installations are not yet well integrated into the construction planning process. The lack of a systematic approach for BIPV planning is one of the factors preventing a far-reaching deployment of this technology. Therefore, substantial knowledge of relevant BIPV planning phases is essential. In the optimum case, BIPV is considered in the planning of the building from the very beginning, because it has a direct impact on its architectural design, on the building energy and sustainability concepts, as well as its economic viability. Preliminary technological options, as well as product availability and requirements from building regulations, must be examined early in the plan of works. This study describes an ideal planning flow for BIPV as a general approach, detailing sub-processes with hereby generated and to be exchanged information, and stakeholders’ responsibilities. The BIPV sub-processes have higher or lower priority in the different planning stages which is documented in detail in the paper.