All-rounder PV - Strategies for Building Integration and Multifunctional Use of Photovoltaic

The results of the described research give an introduction to the design and implementation planning of building integrated Photovoltaic and the potentials for their multifunctional use. Photovoltaic can’t only generate electricity out of light. Additional functions, which can be covered by photovoltaic systems, are for instance shading, electromagnetic energy conversion, electromagnetic shielding effectiveness, design, heating, climatisation, sound insulation, security, heat insulation, weather protection and screening form view. Regarding the cost effectiveness of Photovoltaic installations these functions may play an important role. Therefore they should be considered and used consciously during the planning of installations. It is important to include the cost savings, which can be generated by the multifunctional use of photovoltaic components, e.g. by shading or weather protection, in the calculation of profitability. The integration of Photovoltaic in buildings should be considered as early as possible in the design process, desirably already during the preliminary draft. This is facilitating positive interactions between the specific building design and the efficient photovoltaic use of solar energy, including for instance also the use of preferably large south-orientated building surfaces which are not shaded by building components or buildings. An integrated planning process facilitates the development of optimal solutions regarding the design, the function and the profits of buildings with integrated photovoltaic generators. The requirements for the integration of Photovoltaic in the building design affect particularly the subject areas “appropriate surfaces in facades and roofs”, “integrated design with Photovoltaic and available components” as well as “building types and structural boundary conditions”.