Living laboratory for building-integrated photovoltaics
Everyone knows the blue-tiled photovoltaic modules on the roofs of houses. But a house has much more space available. Facades, for example. Solar modules become building elements and act as both a facade element and a generator for sustainable energy. But how well does that work? And what does photovoltaics actually look like on the facade?
South-west view of the research building. Picture: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin
This is exactly what is being researched in the first living laboratory for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). This is a research building with a photovoltaic facade, in which special attention was paid to the design integration of the solar-active facade. The real-world laboratory is internationally unique of its kind and shows how sustainable research infrastructures can be planned in the future. Inside the building, researchers are investigating energy-efficient accelerator technologies. Outside, the 380 m2 large, solar-active facade generates electricity, of course emission-free, and itself serves as a platform for the HZB energy research on building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). The living laboratory was put into operation at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) in summer 2021 and has since been providing practical experience of the behavior of solar modules and the entire PV facade system in different seasons and weather conditions and over a long period of time. There are many topics that the researchers are investigating: What is the affect of orientation of the solar modules, pollution and indirect irradiation on electricity production? And how does a solar facade affect the building itself?
Fasade construction and installation of the PV modules and installation of the PV modules. Picture: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin
The PV facade consists of 360 commercial colored solar panels installed on three sides of the building. They supply around 28 MWh of electricity per year. In the facade, 120 measuring points and sensors record the solar radiation conditions as well as electrical and building physics parameters. The knowledge gained is used directly for research and consulting activities of the HZB and this way benefits both science and the general public.
In addition, the building serves as a demonstration object for architects and for research locations of the Helmholtz Association, and shows how new buildings can be designed with responsibility for sustainability.
In addition, the building serves as a demonstration object for architects and for research locations of the Helmholtz Association, and shows how new buildings can be designed with responsibility for sustainability.
The transformation of the energy system towards a climate-neutral and secure energy supply requires the "solar activation" of as many areas as possible through photovoltaics. As a result, the need for information and advice is increasing, especially for architects, planners and constructors, in order not only to exploit the limited roof potential that competes with other forms of use, but also to be able to take photovoltaics into account in the entire building envelope.
Taking up this demand, the HZB has been running the Consulting Office for Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BAIP) for three years, with the aim of informing those involved in the construction industry, e.g. constructors, architects, investors and district developers, about the various possibilities for activating building surfaces and on paving the way for the widespread use of photovoltaics in buildings and other structures. For these consultations, the living laboratory provides important, realistic insights that are immediately passed on to those involved in the construction industry. The advice center is funded by the Helmholtz Association as part of the Initiative and Networking Fund.