Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Desings for Commerical ...

1 Building-Integrated PhotovoltaicDesigns for Commercial andInstitutional StructuresA Sourcebook for ArchitectsPatrina Eiffert, J. KissAcknowledgementsBuilding-Integrated Photovoltaics for Commercial and Institutional Structures: ASourcebook for Architects and Engineerswas prepared for the Department ofEnergy's (DOE's) Office of Power Technologies, Photovoltaics Division, and theFederal Energy Management Program. It was written by Patrina Eiffert, , of the Deployment Facilitation Center at DOE s National Renewable EnergyLaboratory (NREL) and Gregory J.

2 Kiss of Kiss + Cathcart Architects. The authors would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of SheilaHayter, , Andy Walker, , , and Jeff Wiechman of NREL, and AnneSprunt Crawley, Dru Crawley, Robert Hassett, Robert Martin, and Jim Rannels ofDOE. They would also like to thank all those who provided the detailed designbriefs, including Melinda Humphry Becker of the Smithsonian Institution, Stephen Meder of the University of Hawaii, John Goldsmith of Pilkington SolarInternational, Bob Parkins of the Western Area Power Administration, SteveCoonen of Atlantis, Dan Shugar of Powerlight Co.

3 , Stephen Strong and BevanWalker of Solar Design Associates, Captain Michael K. Loose, CommandingOfficer, Navy Public Works Center at Pearl Harbor, Art Seki of Hawaiian ElectricCo., Roman Piaskoski of the General Services Administration, Neall Digert, , of Architectural Energy Corporation, and Moneer Azzam of ASE Americas, addition, the authors would like to thank Tony Schoen, Deo Prasad, PeterToggweiler, Henrik Sorensen, and all the other international experts from theInternational Energy Agency s PV Power Systems Program, TASK VII, for theirsupport and also are due to staff members of Kiss + Cathcart and NREL for their assistance in preparing this report.

4 In particular, we would like to acknowledge the contributions of Petia Morozov and Kimbro Frutiger of Kiss + Cathcart, andRiley McManus, student intern, Paula Pitchford, and Susan Sczepanski of the cover: architect s rendering of the HEW Customer Center in Hamburg, Germany,showing how a new skin of Photovoltaic panels is to be draped over its facade and forecourt(architects: Kiss + Carthcart, New York, and Sommer & Partner, Berlin). Building-Integrated Photovoltaics for Commercial and Institutional StructuresBuilding-Integrated Photovoltaics for Commercial and Institutional Structures1 ContentsIntroduction.

5 2 Design Briefs4 Times Square ..4 Thoreau Center for Sustainability ..7 National Air and Space Museum ..11 Ford Island ..19 Western Area Power Administration ..24 Photovoltaic Manufacturing Facility ..28 Yosemite Transit Shelters ..34 Sun Microsystems Clock Tower ..36 State University of New York, Albany ..38 Navajo Nation Outdoor Solar Classroom ..40 General Services Administration, Williams Building ..42 Academy of Further Education ..45 Discovery Science Center ..48 Solar Sunflowers ..50 Ijsselstein Row Houses.

6 52 Denver Federal Courthouse ..54 BIPV Basics ..58 BIPV Terminology ..69 Bibliography ..70 Appendix A: International Activities ..71 Appendix B: Contacts for International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Task VII Photovoltaics in the Built Environment ..77 Appendix C: Design Tools ..78 About the Authors ..88 IntroductionBuilding-integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) electric power systems not only produce electricity, theyare also part of the building. For example, a BIPV skylight is an integral component of the buildingenvelope as well as a solar electric energy system that generates electricity for the building.

7 Thesesolar systems are thus multifunctional construction standard element of a BIPV system is the PV module. Individual solar cells are interconnectedand encapsulated on various materials to form a module. Modules are strung together in anelectrical series with cables and wires to form a PV array. Direct or diffuse light (usually sunlight)shining on the solar cells induces the Photovoltaic effect, generating unregulated DC electricpower. This DC power can be used, stored in a battery system, or fed into an inverter thattransforms and synchronizes the power into AC electricity.

8 The electricity can be used in thebuilding or exported to a utility company through a grid wide variety of BIPV systems are available in today's markets. Most of them can be grouped into two main categories: facade systems and roofing systems. Facade systems include curtainwall products, spandrel panels, and glazings. Roofing systems include tiles, shingles, standingseam products, and skylights. This sourcebook illustrates how PV modules can be designed asaesthetically integrated building components (such as awnings) and as entire structures (such asbus shelters).

9 BIPV is sometimes the optimal method of installing renewable energy systems inurban, built-up areas where undeveloped land is both scarce and fundamental first step in any BIPV application is to maximize energy efficiency within thebuilding s energy demand or load. This way, the entire energy system can be designed BIPV systems will reduce a building s energy demand from the electric utility grid while generating electricity on site and performing as the weathering skin of thebuilding. Roof and wall systems can provide R-value to diminish undesired thermal , skylights, and facade shelves can be designed to increase daylighting opportunities in interior spaces.

10 PV awnings can be designed to reduce unwanted glare and heat gain. Thisintegrated approach, which brings together energy conservation, energy efficiency, buildingenvelope design, and PV technology and placement, maximizes energy savings and makes themost of opportunities to use BIPV is noteworthy that half the BIPV systems described in this book are on Federal buildings. This isnot surprising, however, when we consider these factors: (1) the government, with more thanhalf a million facilities, is the largest energy consumer in the world, and (2) the Department of Energy (DOE) has been directed to lead Federal agencies in an aggressive effort to meet thegovernment s energy-efficiency goals.