Building-integrated photovoltaics for maximum power generation

Application of building-integrated photovoltaic technology (BIPV) has developed rapidly in the world and the progress in Hong Kong is also encouraging in recent years since the first such experimental system was built on the campus of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. More than 1MWp of PV modules have been integrated in buildings in this small territory. The most significant change is that property investors and architects have now started considering how to use solar energy at the beginning of their new developments. This paper reports the experience and findings from our research and consultancy projects completed in recent years for efficient use of solar energy resource in BIPV projects. The optimum tilt angle of BIPV claddings, the ventilation effect on BIPV's energy performance, the application of semi-transparent BIPV modules will be reported. Besides, the optimum design of hybrid solar-wind power systems and the BIPV shading system will be discussed as well. Some typical BIPV projects developed in Hong Kong are also reported in this paper.