BIPV Solutions: 3 To Consider for Your Building

If you’re looking to incorporate effective building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in your building, researching the different BIPV options available to you is paramount. Let’s discuss three to consider for your building.

What Is BIPV?

BIPV systems are incorporated into the building’s exterior as key elements. They serve a dual purpose for commercial buildings: energy generation and protection against the elements. In addition, BIPV solutions save money on building materials and electricity costs, as well as reduce pollution and add to the building’s architectural appeal.

Commercial buildings can utilize BIPV through skylights, facades, insulated glass units, and cool roof technology. BIPV systems are planned out in detail during the architectural design stage and implemented during the initial building construction.

3 BIPV Solutions to Consider

Building-integrated photovoltaics can integrate energy generation into commercial structures through advanced functional building glass technology. Here are the top three BIPV solutions you should highly consider incorporating into your next commercial building project.

Cool Roof
IGU’s
Skylights

Keep reading to learn more about these solutions, or get in contact with an energy management expert today.

1. Cool Roof Technology

Commercial cool roofs offer several benefits, including the following.

Extended Roof Life – The more heat a roof absorbs, the more stress it undergoes, and the shorter its lifespan will be. Cool roofs absorb far less heat, so they won’t deteriorate nearly as fast.
Energy Savings – Implementing cool roof technology reduces energy bills by 10-30%. You will also avoid paying peak demand rates for electricity.
Maintenance Savings – In addition, commercial cool roofs require less upkeep, decreasing maintenance costs and other expenses.
Reduced Emissions – Cool roofs decrease air pollution and global warming concerns by reducing power plant emissions such as CO₂, nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide, mercury, etc.
Improved Comfort – Cool roofs keep indoor building spaces cooler and more comfortable without using excess air conditioning.
Reduced Power Outages – Commercial cool roofs use less electricity, which helps lessen peak electricity demand.
Urban Heat Island Effect – Cool roofs can significantly reduce the local air temperature when installed in mass quantities, especially in densely populated areas.

Types Of Cool Roofing Materials

Solar panels
EPDM roofing membranes
Metal sheets
Asphalt shingles
Concrete tiles
Slate tiles

2. Functional Building Glass – IGU’s

Listed below are the various benefits of Insulating Glass Units.

Increased Comfort – IGU windows keep your building comfortable for customers, employees, etc.
Reduced Sound Transmission – IGU’s can be beneficial for commercial buildings near busy streets or other loud areas. Thick layers of glass keep outside sounds and noises from getting inside the building. Air between the panes also limits noise from passing through.
Increased Window Strength – IGU’s protect your building from strong winds and other destructive elements.
Energy Savings – IGU windows maintain your building’s temperature, ensuring that your AC or heating system isn’t overworked. Enjoy lower electricity bills after installing IGU’s.
Customizable Options – IGU windows are easily customizable. For example, you can choose the number of glass panels and adjust the low-E coatings on the windows. You’ll also have different gas options and material choices.

3. Functional Building Glass – Skylights

Commercial building skylights offer several advantages, including the following.

Natural Light – Skylights add extra light without sacrificing privacy. They can fill a room with natural light in ways that traditional windows cannot. Plus, skylights have the ability to light places that otherwise wouldn’t get light—for example, rooms in the middle of your building that have no windows.
Energy Savings – Skylights use passive cooling to help you maintain a comfortable temperature. Well-ventilated roofing systems allow your commercial building to stay cool and comfortable without overworking your air conditioner. This is highly effective in facilities with multiple floors. As a result, skylights can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.
Aesthetically Pleasing – Installing skylight windows in your building can change the entire atmosphere. Rooms with skylights are more welcoming, comfortable, and the additional sunlight can even boost your mood. In addition, skylights often make rooms feel larger than they actually are.
Fresh Air – Opening your skylight window can provide fresh air to a room. This venting helps with natural cooling in the summer months or in locations that are warm year-round. Additionally, keep in mind that if you want to use the skylight for venting, you will need to install it somewhere that can be reached easily. Otherwise, this helpful function goes to waste.
Increases Property Value – Installing a couple of skylights in your commercial building instantly increases its value. So, if you’re thinking about selling your building in the future, you can attract buyers by investing in skylights. Also, rooms with skylight windows often feel larger than they really are. Plus, space and light are two main things that potential buyers will notice first when touring commercial properties.

Types of Commercial Building Skylights

Fixed Skylights
Ventilated Skylights
Dome Skylights
Curb-Mounted Skylights
Ridge Skylights
Tubular Skylights
Pyramid Skylights
Custom Skylights
Barrel Vault Skylights
Hip Ridge Skylights

Partnering with Kaneka for your BIPV Needs

Kaneka currently offers cool roof and bi-facial technology solutions for commercial buildings. Our Functional Building Glass IGU’s and skylight products are currently only sold and produced in Japan but are on their way to being sold in the US market in the near future.

Our selection of BIPV systems for commercial buildings at Kaneka Energy Management Solutions is top-of-the-line. We offer our customers cool roof and bi-facial technology from the best contractors and suppliers in the market. In addition, our services include energy savings and performance value engineering, bid management, free onsite initial energy audits, and ITC monetization strategies.

Kaneka’s BIPV technologies integrate energy generation into your building materials and their applications without sacrificing the aesthetics and design freedom of your building envelope.