INSTRUCTION MANUAL

BIPV-Building Integrated Photo Voltaics

A complete instruction about installation of BIPVs

GreenAxis Design
Johar Town, Lahore
Abstract
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) refers to the concept of integrating photovoltaic elements into the
building envelope, establishing a symbiotic relationship between the architectural design, structure and
multi-functional properties of the building materials and the generation of renewable energy.
The photovoltaic (PV) modules thus replace conventional construction materials, such as glass, taking over
the function that these would otherwise perform whilst also including the additional function of energy
production. Although this idea is not a new concept, it has until recently not been widely adopted due to
the extensive planning and architectural challenges and an inertia in the building trade, one that
GREENAXIS aims to change.
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Mounting system and installation ............................................................................................................. 3
Linear Installation Systems ....................................................................................................................... 3
Mullion-transom faades....................................................................................................................... 3
Structural sealant glazing (SSG) ........................................................................................................... 3
Point-Fixing systems ............................................................................................................................. 4
Clamp fixings ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Environmental Variables....................................................................................................................... 4
Orientation ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Installation situation .............................................................................................................................. 5
Existing roof cover.................................................................................................................................... 5
New roof ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Introduction
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) refers to the concept of integrating photovoltaic elements into the
building envelope, establishing a symbiotic relationship between the architectural design, structure and
multi-functional properties of the building materials and the generation of renewable energy.
The photovoltaic (PV) modules thus replace conventional construction materials, such as glass, taking over
the function that these would otherwise perform whilst also including the additional function of energy
production. Although this idea is not a new concept, it has until recently not been widely adopted due to
the extensive planning and architectural challenges and an inertia in the building trade, one that
GREENAXIS aims to change.

Mounting system and installation

The specific properties of each BIPV project, such as location and application, along with the differing
regulatory specifications with regards to the safety and loading capacity of the materials used, combined
with specific specifications on PV installations within each country, will all have a decisive impact on the
BIPV technology /panels specification employed along with the chosen method of fixing/mounting the
BIPV panels. We have in this guide attempted to provide a range of options, highlighting what is possible
in current design.

Linear Installation Systems

Mullion-transom faades
Mullion-transom constructions commonly known as curtain walling, consist of vertical mullions and
horizontal transoms. The mullions transfer the main loads and the transoms act as horizontal bracing. The
solar PV glazing modules are set in this framework structure as fill elements (either as a double glazed unit
or single laminate). Clamping rails are fitted from the outside as linear fixings for the modules with capping
over.
The circumferential profiles of the capping, however, can shade the solar modules and result in the
accumulation of dirt and snow. The costs for maintenance and cleaning should also be taken into account,
if applicable, particularly for roofing/skylight applications. The module design, or curtain walling profile
should be adapted to take these issues into account.
Additionally, the curtain walling capping should be able to accommodate the wiring and connectors. They
can with be internal to the building or external. The gap in the aluminum capping profile should therefore
be around 12mm to accommodate MC4 connectors and 6mm for Phoenix Contact micro connectors.

Structural sealant glazing (SSG)

With structural sealant glazing faades, the solar modules are fixed in place on a metal frame by means of
circumferential load-transferring bonds. This bonding process is no different from standard structural
facades.
This produces faades or overhead structures with a homogeneous and smooth appearance. Furthermore,
SSG faades have no external protruding parts, which means that shading and dirt traps are avoided.
These facades tend to be mainly deployed as bonded rainscreen cladding, using aluminum back bars, and
specialist glass glues, but bonding can equally be used in other applications and materials.
In some countries regulations require additional mechanical safeguards to prevent panels installed above a
height from falling. In addition, provision for the mechanical transfer of loads must be made.

Point-Fixing systems
Particularly delicate designs can be achieved using point-fixed faade systems. Typical point-fixing systems
are clamp fixings and undercut anchor-fixing systems.
Although point-fixing systems cause hardly any shading in comparison to frame systems and are less prone
to accumulating dirt, they can only be used with certain types of solar module or in certain application
situations. Drilling in glass tends not to be possible as this affects the semiconductor layer. Standard thin-
film modules are generally not suitable for drilled spot fixing.

Clamp fixings
Clamp fixings are used in conventional PV panel installations, where the modules are pre-framed. In thin-
film PV panels they are also used with rubber brackets to provide support and allow thermal expansion. U-
shaped brackets that fit around the edge of glass panes dispense with the need to drill holes in the glass.
The fixings must overlap the glass by at least 10 mm and the clamped area must be greater than 1000 mm2.
Dependent on application, loadings and size of panels fewer or greater number of clamp points or
continuous edge clamps are required to avoid edge stress on the glass.

Figure 1 Ventilated rainscreen cladding system and fixing

Undercut anchor fixings are mechanical point-fixings that remain invisible, since the glass is not drilled
right through. This allows more efficient use of the PV surface area. These fixings generate higher stresses
due the reduced contact area of their cylindroconical drilled holes, which means that toughened glass, semi-
tempered glass or laminated safety glass must be used.

Environmental Variables
When designing a BIPV system, a compromise must be reached between the requirements of energy yield
optimization and those of the architectural environment. The rated output data for the PV modules, which
is based on standardized measurements, can be misleading and is not the most important criterion here.
The right type of technology for the environment in question is more important. Often, the less efficient
thin-film PV technologies represent the best choice here, particularly in situations with suboptimal
environmental variables.

Orientation
The amount of incident solar radiation on a surface of a PV module depends on its orientation and angle of
inclination. The optimum angle of inclination varies according to the latitude of the installation site; the
 further the distance from the equator, the steeper the optimum installation angle. In Northern Europe,
surfaces that face south and are set at an angle of around 35 to the horizontal receive the maximum possible
solar radiation. However, slight deviations in angle, between 20 and 45, and slight displacements to the
east or west often result in only minor losses in radiation.

Figure 2 Inclined Solar Radiation

Installation situation
The demands made on BIPV systems vary according to the type of fixing system and installation situation.
The rules governing system installations vary by country and note should be taken of the local regulations
applying. This report covers British guidelines only.

Figure 4 Tilted frame mounted pannel

Figure 3 Barrier with a glass infil

Existing roof cover

Note: The modules should NOT be placed in the outer column/row of the roof. Always leave minimum of
1 column/row of roof tiles in place in order to ensure watertight transition for fascias and dry verge caps.
 1. Remove the right amount of tiles according to planned layout and size of the system.
2. Check the condition and integrity of existing battens.
3. Make sure the existing waterproofing layer is functional.
4. Place the metal U-bracket to rafters and fasten with self-tapping screws.
5. Start from the bottom row left and place the solar module onto the batten and fit the module into
interlocking brackets attached underneath.
6. Use 6cm self-tapping screws to secure the module in place. The module should interlock neatly
with the adjacent roof tile.
7. Make sure the connectors from the junction box are not entangled.
8. Place next module onto the batten above and plug the connectors according to the specifications.
9. Place all the modules making sure all the connectors are properly plugged.
10. Connect the wirings to the inverter according to the inverter manual.
BIPV Solar system is ready to power your home.

New roof
Note: The modules should NOT be placed in the outer column/row of the roof. Double check there is
enough room for minimum of 1 column/row of roof tiles. This is vital for proper framing of fascias and
installing factory made dry verge caps.

1. Make sure the waterproofing layer is functional.

2. Make sure the layout of the roof accommodates the desired amount of solar modules. Install the
bottom row(s) of regular roof tiles according to the design layout.
3. Place the metal U-bracket to rafters and fasten with self-tapping screws.
4. Start from the bottom left row and place the solar module onto the batten and fit the module into
interlocking brackets attached underneath.
5. Use 6cm self-tapping screws to secure the module in place. The module should interlock neatly
with the adjacent roof tile.
6. Make sure the connectors from the junction box are not entangled.
7. Place another module onto the batten above and plug the connectors according to the specifications.
8. Place all the modules making sure all the connectors are properly plugged.
9. Finalize the rightmost column(s) with roof tiles.
10. Connect the wirings to the inverter according to the inverter manual.

BIPV Solar system is ready to power your home

Examples of possible and existing applications include:
o Solar protection fins and louvers
o Sun protection panels and canopies
o Faade cladding - rain screens, curtain walling & rear-ventilated faades
o Double glazed faades
o Translucent or semi-transparent windows
o Integrated Roofing
o Skylights
o Privacy protection panels
o Balustrades & fencing
o Sliding shutters
o Canopy roofs
o Street furniture
o Noise protection walls
o Greenhouses
o Advertising billboards
o And many more