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Advancing BIPV in Architecture. Transforming Traditional Building Systems into Energy Generators.

Make It Green

BIPV Products: Advancing Integration in Architecture

Series: Make It Green BIPV-02
Article: 02/25


Introduction

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) represents a significant evolution in sustainable construction, transforming conventional building systems into dual-purpose components that maintain their primary architectural functions while generating clean energy. This technological advancement marks a departure from traditional design and construction approaches, where building systems played primarly passive role. By integrating photovoltaic capabilities into standard building components such as windows, facades, and roofing materials, BIPV solutions are revolutionizing the way we conceptualize building envelope systems.

The integration of photovoltaic technology into building elements presents unique challenges, particularly in meeting both construction and electrical performance requirements. These solutions must simultaneously meet building elements code requirements such as mechanical strength, weather resistance, and thermal performance while meeting stringent photovoltaic standards for power generation and safety. This dual compliance requirement has driven significant innovation in materials science and engineering, resulting in sophisticated solutions that improve both building performance and energy generation capabilities.

Evolution of Traditional Building Elements

From Conventional IGUs to Smart Solar Windows

The transformation of traditional Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) into photovoltaic-enabled components represents one of the most innovative developments in BIPV technology. IWIN's Smart Solar Windows exemplify this evolution, incorporating PV-laminated Venetian blinds within standard IGU assemblies. This integration maintains the primary functions of solar shading and thermal insulation while adding energy generation capabilities.

This technology is particularly relevant for new commercial construction, where large glazed areas are common, offering significant potential for energy generation without compromising architectural design. The solution's ability to maintain optimal indoor lighting while generating power makes it especially valuable for office buildings and educational facilities where daylighting control is crucial.

Fig. I | iWin PV Venetian Blinds. The traditional Venetian blinds are laminated with PV cells and then embedded in IGU. Credit: iWin.

Advanced Photovoltaic Glazing Systems

Glass to Power's Heli-On glazing system represents another significant advancement in BIPV technology. This solution maintains 100% transparency in the main glazing area while incorporating energy-generating elements at the periphery. The system's integration into curtain wall assemblies demonstrates the feasibility of combining structural performance with energy generation.

The technology's compatibility with high-performance building envelopes makes it particularly suitable for both new construction and facade renovations where maintaining natural light transmission is essential. The system's thermal and acoustic performance, equivalent to standard glazing, ensures that energy generation capabilities don't compromise other critical building envelope functions.

Fig. I1 | Heli-On by Glass To Power. Heli-On is a PV IGU with a PV frame that allows full transparency and full integration into a curtain wall. Credit: Glass To Power.

Reinventing Traditional Roofing

Wienerberger's integration of photovoltaic technology into ceramic roof tiles represents a significant advancement in BIPV roofing solutions. These solar-integrated tiles demonstrate how traditional roofing materials can evolve to incorporate energy generation while maintaining their essential weather protection and aesthetic functions.

This solution is particularly valuable for heritage building renovations and residential projects where maintaining architectural character is crucial. The careful color matching between PV elements and traditional roofing materials facilitates wider adoption in historically sensitive contexts, offering a path to sustainable energy generation without compromising architectural integrity.

Fig III | Alegra 10 Wevolt solar roof tilesby Wienerberger is an innovative and attractive solar energy roof system. Credit: Wienerberge B.V..

Industrial Facade Integration

The collaboration between BIM-Solar and Ernst Schweizer AG in developing the ActivGlass Standard Black system demonstrates the evolution of industrial cladding systems. This solution integrates thin-film PV technology within lightweight aluminum facade panels complying with EN 14782 for metal sheet cladding while meeting IEC 61215 standards for photovoltaic performance.

This technology is especially relevant for industrial building retrofits, where large facade areas can be converted into energy-generating surfaces without significant structural modifications. The system's weather resistance and long-term reliability make it particularly suitable for industrial applications where maintenance considerations are crucial.

Fig IV | Standard Black Activ‘Facade® by Activ‘Glass and Schweizer integrating PV into alumiium cassette for ventilated facade. Credit: BIM Solar PIM.

Technical Integration and Performance Considerations

The successful implementation of BIPV solutions requires careful consideration of multiple technical factors. These systems must demonstrate:

  • Long-term durability under varied environmental conditions, validated through compliance with IEC 62788 and EN 13830 standards
  • Reliable electrical performance and safety, verified through IEC 61701 and IEC 60068 testing
  • Effective integration with building management systems and smart grid infrastructure
  • Compatible interface with digital building technologies, including BIM modeling and digital twin solutions


Future Prospects and Development Directions

The future of BIPV technology lies in addressing several key challenges:

  • Development of more efficient recycling and end-of-life management strategies for integrated PV components
  • Enhancement of system integration capabilities with smart building technologies
  • Improvement of long-term performance validation methodologies
  • Advancement of manufacturing processes to reduce costs and increase scalability


Conclusion

BIPV technology represents more than just an addition to existing building systems; it marks a fundamental shift in how we approach building envelope design. The successful integration of photovoltaic capabilities into traditional building elements demonstrates the potential for creating structures that actively contribute to energy generation while maintaining their essential architectural functions.

The continued development of these technologies, supported by rigorous testing and certification processes, suggests a future where energy generation becomes an integral part of building design rather than an afterthought. This evolution in building technology not only supports sustainable development goals but also opens new possibilities for architectural expression and building performance optimization.

The examples discussed demonstrate that BIPV solutions have reached a level of maturity where they can effectively serve both their traditional building functions and generate clean energy. As these technologies continue to evolve, their role in sustainable construction will likely expand, making them an increasingly important component of future building design and renovation strategies.

This article is funded by the European Union (Project: Mass Customization 2.0 for Integrated PV, GA 101096139). However, the points of view and opinions expressed are those of the Authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.


References

Agathon Journal (2023). "Advancements in BIPV Integration." Retrieved from [Agathon website].

Glass to Power (2024). "Heli-On Photovoltaic Glazing." Retrieved from [https://www.glasstopower.com].

IWIN Smart Windows (2024). "Innovative Solar Windows for Smart Buildings." Retrieved from [https://iwin.ch/].

Wienerberger (2024). "Solar Roof Innovations." Retrieved from [https://www.wienerberger-building-solutions.com].

BIM-Solar (2024). "ActivGlass Standard Black." Retrieved from [https://pim.bim-solar.com/ecatalog/activglass_sch_stdblack].

Ernst Schweizer AG (2024). "Metal Integration for BIPV." Retrieved from [https://www.ernstschweizer.ch/en/].

IEC, CEN, and EN Building Standards for PV and Construction Materials

This research is funded by the European Union (Project: Mass Customization 2.0 for Integrated PV, GA 101096139). However, the points of view and opinions expressed are those of the Authors only and do not necessarily reflect hose of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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Extended Reality (XR) in Construction: Transforming Design, Building, and Operation

By AP • April 3, 2025
Make it Human Extended Reality (XR) in Construction: Transforming Design, Building, and Operation Series: Make It Human - XR-02 Article: 04/25 Introduction The construction industry, long characterized by traditional methods, is undergoing a significant transformation driven by technological advancements. Extended Reality (XR) technologies are poised to redefine every stage of the construction lifecycle. XR, an umbrella term encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), blends the physical and digital worlds to create immersive and interactive experiences. From initial design conceptualization to the intricacies of on-site construction, the complexities of end-of-life processes, and the ongoing demands of operation and maintenance, XR is emerging as a powerful tool for enhancing accuracy, fostering collaboration, bolstering safety, and improving overall efficiency. The increasing adoption of these immersive technologies across the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry signals a fundamental shift towards a more digital and intuitive future. Companies at the forefront of XR technologies are revolutionizing workflows, reducing errors, and enhancing decision-making across the entire building lifecycle. Case Studies Transforming the Construction Sector: Virtual Prototyping and Immersive Collaboration The initial phases of any construction project, particularly design, are critical for setting the stage for success. XR technologies offer a paradigm shift in how designs are visualized and experienced. By enabling stakeholders to step into a full-scale, immersive 3D environment of the proposed building or infrastructure, XR overcomes the limitations of traditional 2D blueprints and static renderings that can often be challenging for non-technical audiences to interpret. This capability fosters a deeper understanding of spatial relationships, scale, and aesthetics, leading to more informed decision-making and reduced misunderstandings. The transformative power of XR extends beyond the design phase into the dynamic environment of the construction site itself. Augmented Reality, in particular, plays a crucial role in providing on-site workers with real-time guidance, enabling them to visualize digital information overlaid onto the physical construction environment. This capability enhances accuracy in installations, facilitates progress monitoring, and improves communication between on-site teams and remote experts. The adoption of XR in operation and maintenance offers numerous benefits. It improves efficiency and accuracy in maintenance tasks by providing real-time data and step-by-step instructions. Enhanced training for complex procedures can be delivered in a safe and virtual environment, leading to a more competent workforce.2 Remote assistance and collaboration capabilities allow for faster troubleshooting and resolution of complex repairs, reducing downtime.3 Predictive maintenance can be facilitated through the visualization and analysis of real-time data.1 Ultimately, these advantages contribute to reduced downtime, lower operational costs, and extended lifespans for buildings and infrastructure. Unity – Custom XR Development for AEC Applications Unity is a powerful real-time 3D development platform that enables architects, engineers, and construction professionals to create immersive XR applications tailored to their specific needs. With Unity, stakeholders can build VR walkthroughs, AR overlays, and MR simulations to visualize projects at full scale before construction begins. Its capabilities extend to lighting analysis, spatial awareness, and integration with BIM models, improving decision-making and reducing errors. By allowing teams to interact with a digital twin of their project, Unity enhances collaboration and accelerates design approvals, ultimately reducing costly modifications during later stages. HoloBuilder – Real-Time Remote Construction Monitoring HoloBuilder revolutionizes site monitoring by offering a 360-degree photo documentation platform powered by AI and AR. Site managers and stakeholders can track progress remotely, compare real-time conditions with design models, and streamline issue detection. The platform seamlessly integrates with Autodesk and Procore, enabling automatic updates and historical tracking. Construction teams benefit from enhanced transparency, reduced rework, and improved quality control. By bridging the gap between virtual and physical job sites, HoloBuilder ensures efficient project execution and helps maintain project timelines and budgets. 

Tracking Product Lifecycle Information: Digital Product Passports Will Revolutionize Construction Industry

By MG • March 3, 2025
Make It Digital DPP– DPP case studies: Make It Digital DPP-02 Article: 03/25

Extended Reality (XR) Stakeholder Engagement and Actors' Role

By AP • January 3, 2025
Make It Human XR – Stakeholder Engagement and Actors' Role Series: Make It Human XR-01 Article: 01/25 Introduction Known for its complexity and reliance on precision, the construction industry is increasingly embracing digital technologies to streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and improve efficiency. Among these technologies, Extended Reality (XR), which includes Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), has emerged as a powerful tool for revolutionizing construction practices at various stages of a building's lifecycle. By providing immersive and interactive environments, XR technologies enable stakeholders to visualize, simulate, and analyze construction projects in new ways, ultimately leading to smarter decisions, reduced errors, and increased productivity. VR, AR, and MR represent different but complementary approaches to integrating digital information into the physical world. These technologies have found multiple applications in the construction industry, from the design phase, where VR enables immersive simulations, to the operations phase, where AR and MR enhance building systems management and maintenance. As construction projects become more complex, the need for accurate, real-time data and seamless collaboration across teams has never been more critical. XR solutions provide innovative answers to these challenges, offering transformative potential to improve efficiency, reduce costs and promote sustainability in the built environment. This article will explore the different roles that VR, AR, and MR play in construction, and how these technologies are being applied at each stage of a project's lifecycle-from design and planning, to construction, to operations and maintenance. It will also highlight key players, including universities, research organizations, and companies, that are advancing XR in the construction sector. Definitions B efore diving into their applications, it's important to define the core technologies. Virtual Reality. VR is an immersive technology that creates an entirely digital environment, often experienced through headsets or other specialized devices. In the construction industry, VR allows stakeholders to step into a fully realized 3D model of a project before it is built, enabling virtual walkthroughs and simulations. This offers significant benefits in terms of design validation, user experience evaluation, and stakeholder engagement. For example, architects and clients can explore spaces, check dimensions, and visualize different design options in a virtual world, helping to identify potential problems early in the design process. Augmented Reality. AR overlays digital information - such as 3D models, annotations, or real-time data - onto the physical world. AR in construction is often used in the field to assist with tasks such as assembly, inspection, or maintenance. For example, using AR glasses or mobile devices, workers can see digital overlays that provide additional information about a building's components or systems as they interact with the physical space. This improves decision-making and reduces errors during construction and operation by providing real-time, contextual data. Mixed Reality. MR combines elements of VR and AR to create a seamless integration of the digital and physical worlds. MR allows users to interact with both real and virtual objects in real time, providing a more dynamic and interactive experience. In the construction industry, MR is increasingly being used for design collaboration and real-time project visualization. For example, engineers can view and manipulate digital models overlaid on physical components during construction or operation, enabling a more complete understanding of how different systems interact. MR fosters collaboration among multiple stakeholders by allowing them to share and manipulate project data in a common environment, regardless of physical location. Together, VR, AR, and MR are the core components of XR technology, which is rapidly transforming the construction industry by enabling more accurate planning, improved communication, and more informed decision-making at every stage of a project. These technologies are changing the way construction professionals engage with buildings at all stages, providing immersive ways to visualize, interact, and optimize the built environment.
MG

Digital Product Passport (DPP) Stakeholder Engagement and Actors' Role

By MG • November 28, 2024
Make It Digital DPP– Stakeholder Engagement and Actors' Role Series: Make It Digital DPP-01 Article: 02/24 Introduction The European Commission has recently adopted the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (EU, 2024), a regulatory instrument aimed at promoting and harmonizing circular economy practices in the design and production of a wide range of products, including construction products. The regulatory framework, which is expected to be fully adopted by the end of 2024, introduces the concept of the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a digital identity card for products, components, and materials that can store and make accessible detailed information about the product to help stakeholder make decision in adopting circular and informed choices. What is the state of the art? Who is driving it in the construction sector? The evolution of DPP and key players The evolution of the DPP for the construction sector arises from the growing need to track and valorize data throughout the entire life cycle of a building product, with a view to a circular economy and sustainability. A significant precursor was the European BAMB 2020 project (Building As a Material Bank), which pioneered the digitalization of construction materials and the importance of information transparency (Heinrich and Lang, 2020) (Fig. 1). In this context, the concept of Digital Mining emerges, aimed at extracting value from data coming from various sources, such as product technical sheets, environmental certifications, and supply chain information. Platforms like Circularise (Fig. 2) and MADASTER (Fig. 3) are already offering concrete solutions for the creation and management of DPPs, facilitating the collection, analysis, and sharing of data on building products, thus contributing to greater transparency and sustainability in the sector.

Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Stakeholder Engagement & Actors' Role

By AP • October 14, 2024
Make It Green BIPV – Stakeholder Engagement and Actors' Role Series: Make It Green BIPV-01 Article: 01/24 Introduction Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are increasingly recognized as a crucial element in sustainable construction, offering a solution that goes beyond traditional solar panels by integrating energy generation directly into a building’s architecture. Unlike conventional PV systems, BIPV systems are woven into the design and construction process, making them more complex to manage and deploy. This article examines the pivotal roles played by different actors throughout the various stages of BIPV development, from research and design to implementation, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach. Research and Simulation: The Foundation of BIPV Integration Research institutions like EURAC, EPFL, and SUPSI are at the forefront of advancing BIPV technologies. Their work is fundamental in refining both the materials and systems used in BIPV, ensuring that these solutions are not only energy-efficient but also adaptable to diverse architectural demands. EURAC's research on climate-responsive façades, for example, demonstrates the importance of simulation in optimizing the performance of BIPV in various environmental conditions. At EPFL, cutting-edge simulations help architects visualize how photovoltaic elements can be seamlessly integrated into building designs without sacrificing aesthetics or structural integrity. Similarly, SUPSI has made significant strides in ensuring that BIPV systems meet stringent energy efficiency standards. Their research also supports the critical role of simulations in understanding how BIPV technologies behave under real-world conditions, ensuring that these systems are durable and capable of meeting long-term energy goals.
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