Chapter 15. Building Integration of High Concentration Photovoltaic Systems

The chapter addresses building integration (BI) issues from the basic concepts to the most specific concerns related to high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) systems. The reader is introduced into the topic by learning the main aspects of the true building integration of photovoltaic systems. While concentrating PV were developed to generate electricity at reduced price compared to non-concentrating systems, their BI can provide additional advantages related to a range of building energy needs and functions. Characteristic case studies of building integrated concentrating systems are presented and discussed to demonstrate how different types of optical arrangements are designed to be architecturally integrated. BI HCPV systems require two-axis tracking arrangements which poses a range of challenges in addition to those general for low-concentration or non-concentrating BI solar systems. Two examples of truly BI HCPV, from the very few that can be found at present, are presented.