Examples of successful architectural integration of PV: Australia

An abundance of solar energy resources in Australia and the application of remote area power systems (RAPS) are well known. Numerous locations, isolated from the electricity grid have benefited from photovoltaic energy supply with economic justification and provided a platform from which the scientific knowledge and expertise has grown over 30 years. Of current global relevance is the transition and growth of photovoltaic applications in the urban environment through building-integrated PV (BiPV) and its use as a clever building material. Energy market dynamics in Australia and low-priced fossil fuels limit the present market potential for BiPV. Showcase projects and government programmes have provided the much needed impetus to develop and introduce BiPV products to the building industry and, importantly, experiment with architectural design solutions that strive to offer added benefits to the built environment. This paper discusses examples of successful integration of PV and lessons learnt in the process. The importance of high ambient temperature conditions, thermal performance and smart electrical configurations to minimise shading influences, are considered to be particularly relevant. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.