Contractor Blog

BIPV Facades: Improve Building ROI with Photovoltaic Curtain Walling

Erica Charles · 15 Feb 2019

Research indicates the market for curtain walling is growing at a healthy rate of around 6% per annum. (A curtain wall is the non-structural weather proof covering of a building, generally associated with large multi-storey buildings.) This rise is driven both by new build construction and by energy efficient refurbishments of existing buildings.

Standard curtain walling improves the thermal insulation of the building, leading to reduced HVAC costs and reduced heat loss. It also improves the aesthetic appearance of the building.

A photovoltaic curtain wall has the added benefit of generating electricity over the building’s life.

Whilst it costs a bit more than standard curtain walling, the incremental cost of a BIPV facade will typically be paid back within around five years.

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Topics: BIPV, Solar PV

Spirit's Updated Free Guide to Building Integrated Solar PV (BIPV)

Erica Charles · 16 Nov 2017

Solar tiles, solar glass, solar facades, solar roofs, and in-roof systems are growing in popularity due to their ability to take the place of building elements whilst generating electricity and reducing running costs of the building.

Leading architects are no longer confining themselves to solar tiles and complete solar roofs, they are also specifying solar in atriums, in windows, as solar cladding, on bus stops and in car parks...

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Topics: In roof solar panels, BIPV, Solar PV

Solar Windows and Facades Improve Building ROI

Erica Charles · 27 Oct 2017

Solar windows can be used to replace conventional construction materials such as glazing or cladding, whilst also generating electricity on site.

In multi-storey buildings where roof space is often limited, facades and windows usually offer the most potential for electricity generation, thus the development of solar glazing is set to play an important role in the growth of ‘urban micro-generation’.

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Topics: BIPV, Solar PV