What is BIPV and Why is it Essential for Sustainable Infrastructure?

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) technology is revolutionising how we think about sustainable construction. Yet, in Australia, despite its immense potential, BIPV remains underutilised as a solution for making public infrastructure more energy-efficient and future proofing buildings for sustainable living environment.

What is BIPV and Why is it Essential for Sustainable Infrastructure?

BIPV refers to photovoltaic materials that are integrated into the construction of buildings—not just as an add-on, but as an essential part of the building envelope. These materials, which include solar panels incorporated into facades, roofs, windows, and even balustrades, act as both building components and power generators. By incorporating solar energy production into the building’s structure, BIPV transforms the way we design and use buildings.

Across the world, especially in Europe, BIPV is being used to meet energy-saving demands in both new and renovated buildings. The European Green Deal has highlighted BIPV as a key technology to help meet the ambitious energy goals set for 2050, including a climate-neutral continent. In fact, the building sector accounts for 40% of the EU’s total energy consumption and 36% of its greenhouse gas emissions. The integration of renewable energy solutions like BIPV into public and private buildings could reduce these figures dramatically.

For Australia, which faces both a growing population and increasing energy demands, BIPV presents a sustainable solution that can benefit public infrastructure projects across the country, ensuring that new and existing buildings are part of the renewable energy transition.

Where has BIPV been used around the world?

• Local Bus Station, Rzeszow, Poland: This station features an innovative integration of BIPV solutions, including PV sunshades, ventilated facades, and a PV canopy covering 121m². These solutions help reduce the station’s carbon footprint while providing energy efficiency.

• Railroad Station Canopy, Sierndorf, Austria: Laminated glass integrated with monocrystalline cells has been installed on the canopy of a railroad station in Sierndorf. This installation is expected to generate 16,500 kWh per year, significantly contributing to the station’s sustainability by harnessing solar energy directly from the canopy.

• Nordic Choice Hotel, Solna, Sweden: Nordic Choice Hotel achieved net-zero energy by combining both PV and BIPV modules. The building features 1,150 m² of photovoltaic solutions integrated into its design, including over 60 different sizes of high-efficiency PV cells and modules. These are incorporated into a coloured, shiny glass aesthetic facade, resulting in a highly functional, visually striking building that meets stringent energy demands while enhancing the hotel’s design and sustainability.

• Haut, Amsterdam, Netherlands (Amsterdam Marina): The tallest wooden residential tower in the Netherlands, located in Amsterdam Marina, stands at 73 meters and is entirely made of wood. This sustainable construction project features a remarkable combination of materials, including "Full black" BIPV glass-glass modules integrated alongside wood to create a stunning and elegant façade. The fusion of wood and BIPV technology not only contributes to the building's sustainable design but also enhances its aesthetic appeal.

How BIPV Can Benefit Australia

In Australia, BIPV has significant untapped potential in public, commercial, and residential sectors. Technologies like ML System’s photovoltaic glass, skylights, carports, and smart glass, along with Platio’s solar pavers and decks, offer sustainable energy generation, improve energy efficiency, and provide aesthetic versatility. By incorporating BIPV into new and existing infrastructure, Australia can reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources and future-proof its buildings for climate change.

From rooftops to public spaces, facades to sunshades, BIPV solutions can be integrated into a wide range of Australian infrastructure projects. Embracing these technologies can help meet Australia’s clean energy targets, reduce operating costs, and achieve green building certifications. As demonstrated in Europe, BIPV has the potential to transform the way we build, making cities more sustainable and energy-efficient for future generations.

For more information about how BIPV solutions can be integrated in your designs call Hume Architectural at 02 9681 9096 or email architectural@humebuildingproducts.com.au.