Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are one of the best ways to harness solar power, which is the most abundant, inexhaustible and clean of all the available energy resources. This paper discusses issues concerning BIPV in architectural design in China, including how to choose between BIPV and building-attached photovoltaics (BAPV), whether it is necessary for photovoltaic components to last as long as buildings and how to design BIPV struc. Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are one of the best ways to harness solar power, which is the most abundant, inexhaustible and clean of all the available energy resources. This paper discusses issues concerning BIPV in architectural design in China, including how to choose between BIPV and building-attached photovoltaics (BAPV), whether it is necessary for photovoltaic components to last as long as buildings and how to design BIPV structures. The paper shows that we should consider the function, cost, technology and aesthetics of BIPV, rather than solely the high integrations. According to developments in technology and markets, photovoltaic structures and design should be focused on the maintenance and replacement of photovoltaic cell modules, rather than simply prolonging their lives. To solve problems associated with the existing photovoltaic structures in China, we design a building photovoltaic structure that allows convenient maintenance and replacement of photovoltaic components.••Global environmental concerns and escalating demands for energy, coupled with steady progress in renewable energy technologies, are creating new opportunities to utilize renewable energy resources. To date, solar energy is the most abundant, inexhaustible and clean of all the renewable energy resources. The sun's power reaching the earth is approximately 1.8 × 1011 MW, which is many times greater than the present energy consumption. Photovoltaic technology is one of the best ways to harness this solar power,. Photovoltaics generate electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic power generation employs solar panels composed of a number of cells containing photovoltaic material. Materials presently used for photovoltaics include monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper indium selenide/sulfide. Due to the growing demand for renewable energy sources, the manufacturing of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has advanced considerably in recent years,,,.BIPV are photovoltaic materials that are used to replace conventional building materials in parts of the building envelopes, such as the roofs, skylights or facades. They are increasingly incorporated into the construction of new buildings as a principal or ancillary source of electrical power, although existin. 2.1. What are BIPV and BAPV?Two principal classifications can be defined for building photovoltaic array mounting systems: BIPV and BAPV. BIPV are considered a functional part of the building structure, or they are architecturally integrated into the building's design. This category includes designs that replace the conventional roofing materials, such as shingles, tiles, slate and metal roofing. These types of products can be indistinguishable from their non-photovoltaic counterparts. Aesthetically, this can be attractive if there is a desire to maintain architectural continuity and not to attract attention to the array. BIPV modules can also be architectural elements that enhance the building's appearance and create very desirable visual effects. These types of arrays include custom-made module sizes and shapes with opaque or transparent spaces between the cells and can be used for curtain walls, awnings, windows and skylights,. Thus, BIPV are multifunctional solar products that generate electricity while also serving as construction materials. Fig. 1 shows an example of BIPV, in which photovoltaic arrays are combined with the roof.Fig. 1. An example of BIPV in which photovoltaic arrays are combined with the roof.BAPV are considered an add-on to the building, not directly related to the structure's functional aspects. They rely on a superstructure that supports conventional framed modules. Sta. 3.1. Cost of photovoltaic panelsThe most important issue with solar panels is cost. Although solar cells in the early 1950s cost 286 USD/W and reached efficiencies of 4.5–6%, because of greatly increased demand, the price of silicon used for most panels is now rising significantly. This has caused developers to start using other materials and thinner silicon to keep costs down. Due to economies of scale, solar panels become less costly as people use and buy more, and as manufacturers increase production, the cost is expected to continue to drop in years to come. As of early 2006, the average cost per installed watt was approximately USD 6.50–7.50, including panels, inverters, mounts and electrical items. By 2050, the cost of electricity generated by photovoltaic cells will be close to that of conventional power generation.3.2. Technologies of solar cells (also known as photovoltaic cells or photoelectric cells)Solar cell development is often considered to have occurred in three successive generations, although the third is still being investigated and is not fully developed. The two previous generations are still in use, and are being develo. Photovoltaic components include photovoltaic cells and steel support systems. Through integration, photovoltaic components become part of buildings, and their efficiency directly affects the performance of buildings. Especially for BIPV, even if the existing photovoltaic cells can last as long as buildings, the maintenance and replacement of photov.
