Primarily, BIPV modules are of 2 types - Laminated Glass Product & Insulated Glass Product
These BIPV products, equivalent to building materials, possess both electrical and building material properties
Along with its BIPV solutions, Gain Solar shared a few examples of BIPV installations to serve as installation guides
Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) solutions, key to promoting green buildings, require not only clean energy but also products that match building materials in aesthetics, durability, safety, and longevity. With applications across commercial buildings, residential roofs, public facilities, and more, this clean energy solution demands customized installation designs.
In this context, Millie Tan, International Sales Director of Gain Solar, delivered an insightful presentation on its BIPV solutions for various green building applications, supported by several case studies, at the TaiyangNews Advanced Solar Module Applications 2024 Conference (see Gain Solar presentation here). Founded in 2007, Gain Solar, a sister company of Yingli Group headquartered in Baoding, China, boasts an annual production capacity of up to 400,000 m² of BIPV modules. Continuous technological advancements since 2012 have propelled the company to its 13th generation of BIPV products.
In contrast to standard double-glass silicon PV modules, BIPV module designs primarily come in 2 formats: laminated glass products and insulated glass products, says Tan. Unlike conventional double-glass PV modules, both types of BIPV products use PVB instead of EVA as the encapsulant for the cell matrix, laminated with 6 mm-thick double or triple-tempered glass of varying transparency, replacing the thinner solar glass. Specifically, the insulated glass BIPV consists of the following structure from the sun-facing side to the rear: ultra-clear tempered glass–PVB–cell–PVB–LOE tempered glass–air space–tempered glass–PVB–tempered glass, explained Tan.
He further elaborated on the characteristics of BIPV products, which require both electrical (IEC 61215 and IEC 61730) and building material properties: a lifespan of over 50 years, a warranty that meets building standards, enhanced mechanical and wind load stability, fire safety, and heat insulation. These products, equivalent to building materials, offer multiple advantages for various building applications, including dual functionality, energy efficiency, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness. Regarding dual functionality, BIPV products integrate directly into building materials, such as roofs, walls, façades, or windows, serving both as part of the building envelope and as a source of electricity. This integration reduces the need for external cladding materials, provides insulation, and contributes to the overall energy efficiency of the building. He also noted that BIPV’s design, which blends seamlessly with architectural elements, enhances visual appeal since the PV system is integrated rather than added on. Furthermore, it reduces the need for additional building materials, leading to savings in electricity costs and contributing to pollution reduction.
According to Tan, BIPV solutions are tailored for applications in public facilities, agrivoltaics (AgriPV), and traffic installations, requiring customized installation engineering. Sharing her experiences, she outlined installation guidelines for buildings with exposed frame curtain walls and buildings featuring facades. BIPV products that resemble marble installations can be used without the need for an additional frame structure. She also provided an example of an ongoing project in China, showcasing a PV cell curtain wall application integrated within window structures. Beyond these projects, Tan highlighted additional BIPV installations, including daylight roof structures and unit-type curtain wall systems.
Sharing several case studies of its BIPV projects, Tan highlighted a 481 kW BIPV system integrated with an ultra-low energy consumption building at the Wuxi International Conference Center, covering a roof area of over 5,000 m². He also mentioned the 115 kW Shanghai Zero Carbon Exhibition Hall project, where the building's aluminum frame was replaced with BIPV modules, creating a zero-energy permanent modular building. For the Qiyuan Xiongan Exhibition Hall project, a 35 kW microgrid system was installed, featuring BIPV modules, energy storage, and a smart control system.
Regarding its color-glazed BIPV modules, Gain Solar has installed a 48 kW system covering up to 500 m² at Adidas’ flagship store in Beijing, China. Tan also noted the company’s crystal-clear series of BIPV modules.