Call for new design software to drive increase in BIPV uptake in Australia

Solar energy generation through Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) technology could have a significant impact on CO2 emissions. However, in Australia, the use of BIPV is limited due to complexities in the design, planning and construction process. Researchers are calling for the development of a BIPV-specific software tool and product database for BIPV design and simulation, in order to drive growth in the use of this solar-producing building material.

As BIPV can completely replace many traditional building materials, the implementation of BIPV requires the consideration of both the building envelope and PV elements, identifying the correct design that would provide the best outcome in terms of solar irradiation, power output, building performance, and design outcomes. However, not many professionals have this BIPV project design experience as there are limited applications in Australia.

An ARENA funded report from the Australian PV Institute (APVI) examines BIPV design and integration in Australia to help increase the usage of BIPV technology. The study, which evaluated findings from thirty-seven building design, construction and BIPV professionals in Australia, and categorised operative approaches, methods, and workflows in the BIPV design and analysis process. It identified a need for BIPV-specific software platforms and digital product databases, to facilitate design and simulation in Australia.

The full media release can be found here. It includes links to the following two reports.