Integration of Photovoltaic Panels in Buildings

The integration of the solar panels sotovoltaics, or solar panelsin the buildings With solar batteries or accumulators represents the first step for electrical self-consumption in buildings.

Integration of Photovoltaic Panels in Buildings

In addition, it makes it possible not to depend on third parties for energy. They are increasingly in demand self-sufficient buildings and incorporate renewable energy systems and have passive systems. In some countries like Germany, Switzerland or Norway they are a reality.

The mass integration of photovoltaic panels in buildings and in the urban environment it would be a very good way to reduce energy consumption. With this, we get rid of a lot of contamination.

The classic benefits for the environment they are very prominent. Furthermore, the integration of solar panels or panels on buildings would suppose, a Quite a significant money saver.

Living in a building with a very striking appearance, combining technology and ecology. The integration of modules in buildings can be an art, since they can be created impressive buildings with photovoltaic panels.

We will focus only on the classics photovoltaic panels as electrical energy collectors. Although the truth is that the homes of the future will have more photovoltaic systems which to choose. An example of this are the photovoltaic paints, solar roof tiles and photovoltaic windows.

Integration of Photovoltaic Solar Panels in Buildings

The installation of photovoltaic modules in any building involves a change of construction systems and materials classics for more innovative ones. These help integrate the plates into the building surfaceso that in this way it can generate energy through the solar energy.

The photovoltaic panels are traditionally placed on the facades or roofs. First of all, it is necessary to study the situation to know in which position and inclination it is more appropriate to place the modules.

They must also be arranged architecturally on the outside of the building without the surfaces of the modules receiving any shadow. As a general rule, the integration of the renewable system It cannot be placed taking advantage of 100% of the sun, but a large part of it.

The photovoltaic panels They must be placed in series, with the same inclination and orientation, in this way the losses will be minimal.

Types of Solar Panels

The choice of photovoltaic solar panels which are going to be chosen, is also very important. The monocrystalline silicon solar panels They are the most flexible and the highest quality, but they are the most expensive.

The thin film solar panels They are the worst quality but cheapest. This does not mean that we always have to go for the highest quality plates when we have a big budget. You have to do a preliminary study in the building and study the situation. Maybe, if you completely cover the building with cheap thin layer solar panels we achieve a solar installation of very good quality-price.

What Is Necessary When Integrating Solar Panels?

The integration of photovoltaic panels in buildings is completely safe when they are installed by professionals in the sector. They know perfectly all the technical and safety details that must be taken into account in this type of installation.

The solar modules they are ready to be placed in the buildings. Its electronic parts are protected so that there are no problems and its surface is prepared to withstand weather conditions. But the slope of the panel must be adequate to allow rain and snow to circulate easily and not remain stagnant.

The photovoltaic installation companies must take into account the weight of the incorporation of solar panels and their corresponding supports in the buildingin addition to the fact that the wind can suppose an additional weight.

The solar module brackets they can be made mainly of iron, aluminum and steel, to a lesser extent of wood. And as already mentioned, they must be prepared for atmospheric phenomena.

If the installation of photovoltaic panels in the building has photovoltaic batteriesIt is important that these are also protected from atmospheric phenomena. To do this, they must be placed in isolated places in the building that do not pose any additional risk to people. It is recommended that batteries be placed in rooms designed for them, where there is sufficient ventilation and access is restricted.

The charge controller and inverters they must also be protected against weather and dirt.

Photovoltaic Solar Panels on Building Roofs

The deck It is the usual construction element for the integration of photovoltaic panels in a buildinglet’s see the 3 types of integration that exist.

Photovoltaic Panels on Flat Roofs

This system was the first to be used for integrate photovoltaic panels into the building and replace them with others Construction materials. But it has little real integration with the building, because until now the only thing that has been done is to interpose the modules on the existing roof, so no element of the classic building has been replaced.

An interesting example is this government building in Zhejiang (China).

It is the most used and the most traditional solution. Due to its inclination, it has a very simple way of evacuating the rainwater that falls on the surface of the panel.

This system at no time replaces a construction element of the building, only the panels are integrated as one more piece.

As an example we have the municipal building in Fuengirola.

Photovoltaic Panels as Glazed Roofs

Are highly transparent photovoltaic panels that are placed on the roof. These types of systems are completed with a double glazed window so that the thermal insulation of the building be the right one.

These photovoltaic panels which are placed as glazed roofsThey must also be prepared to withstand rain, wind… in short, all weather events that may occur.

Sometimes they are used opaque photovoltaic panels on this type of roof, but only when integrated into opaque areas.

Examples include the Paul VI Hall. Has on your deck 2,400 photovoltaic solar panels that meet the energy needs for lighting and air conditioning in the building.

As can be seen in the images, the panels have an opaque part and a translucent part.

Photovoltaic Solar Panels on the Facades of Buildings

The integration of photovoltaic panels in facades It can be done in two basic ways.

• Placing the modules on the façade already built, through secure fastening systems.
• Integrate the modules on the façade, applying them as construction material. In this way, the panels become a part of the building envelope.

The second option proposed is profitable when taking advantage of a rehabilitation or construction of a new building.

When integrate photovoltaic panels into a façadeit is ensured that the facade where they are placed is ventilated. The incorporation of solar panels improves the thermal insulation system.

Photovoltaic Panels in Facade Canopies

The placement of the solar panelss as canopies is a very practical option on facades as the photovoltaic modules. Apart from getting solar energyalso contribute to a good bioclimatic design, as they shade the building.

When we talk about canopies on the façade, we can also talk about Photovoltaic parasols, photovoltaic slats, photovoltaic porches… etc.

As an example we have the Hotel Monte Málaga

Photovoltaic Panels in Building Enclosures

The solar panel It is part of the construction system of the building façade that forms the curtain wall, completely vertical and without any type of inclination, unlike the previous case.

In this type of constructive solutions in buildings, the photovoltaic panels must be prepared to support their own weight, water seepage and the power of the wind. Another option is to use the solar panels as glass sheets.

An example is the Zero Emissions Building at ACCIONA Headquarters.