PV-Construct: Construction of buildings with size-adjustable photovoltaic (PV) modules for integration in opaque building envelopes

Objectives and work programme

The project taking place in the 7th European research framework programme is intended to significantly reduce the cost of manufacturing and installing size-adjustable, building-integrated photovoltaic elements. The project concentrates on opaque building envelopes as energetically cost-efficient solutions in Europe. New developments in the manufacturing of building-integrated photovoltaics are intended to reduce the gap between inexpensive standard modules and costlier custom productions, thereby significantly increasing the potential for the application of building-integrated photovoltaics.

The Institute of Building Construction is part of a European research consortium consisting of twelve partners and will look at the issues surrounding the structural integration of photovoltaics into the building envelope. The research partners involved span the entire supply chain, from module manufacturers, right up to building installation specialists and have extensive capacities for testing and development.

In addition to the research and development work, model facades must also be produced. The first implementation of the newly developed PV modules will see them installed in the facade of the recently completed main administration building of the company Ed. Zublin AG in Stuttgart to replace the previous traditional panelled facade. This large-scale demonstration serves to display the potential of building-integrated photovoltaics.

Partners

D’Appolonia, Genoa, Italien,
Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme, Freiburg,
Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera Italiana, Manno, Schweiz,
Ed. Züblin AG, Stuttgart,
UNStudio, Amsterdam, Niederlande,
Tegola Canadese S.p.A.,,Vittorio Veneto Treviso, Italien,
Advanced Management Solutions Ltd, Engomi Nicosia, Griechenland,
National Technical University of Athens, Griechenland,
Agenzia nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, Rom, Italien,
SMA Solar Technology AG, Niestetal,
Meyer Burger AG, Gwatt, Schweiz.