PV building lements

Abstract The LESO-PB has been working on the architectural integration of photovoltaic elements with the financial support of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy since 1990. In this paper, we discuss the advantages and the feasibility of the integration of photovoltaics, focusing on the following test-installations: — The DEMOSITE, an international exhibition centre of photovoltaic building elements, which was set up to inform potential users (architects, authorities and anybody who might commission a building) about the architectural integration possibilities of photovoltaics. — Two new photovoltaic systems integrated into buildings on the campus of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology: (1) cladding on the facade of one of the buildings of the Department of Electricity, and (2) an innovative flat roof installation situated on the building of the Department of Materials where photovoltaic panels are mounted on low supports of reinforced concrete.