PVadapt · Prefabrication, Recyclability and Modularity for cost reductions in Smart BIPV systems

The building integrated photovoltaics sector can benefit from innovations in construction and solar energy alike, even moreso when the two are in sync. In the PVadapt project, combined innovations in modular construction and modular photovoltaics will lead to the creation of an adaptable and multifunctional BIPV system of substantially lower cost than conventional solutions. A flexible and low cost production of photovoltaics in automated processes will be employed to produce PV modules as well as elements with integrated heat pipe based heat recovery. These active energy components will be combined with passive and sustainable components with structural, mechanical, thermal and other functions to produce prefabricated BIPV modules. Prefabrication will be the key to achieving cost reductions, as well as guaranteeing quick installation with low disruption. The project will also employ a sustainable by design philosophy with all the parts of the system being recyclable/ reusable and waste based raw material supply chains will be established. A Smart Envelope System featuring grid connectivity, load prediction and shifting and intelligent energy management systems with predictive algorithms will be integrated in the PVadapt turn key BIPV system. To convincingly demonstrate the PVadapt solutions, 7 buildings of various typologies (residential, commercial, 2 offices, and 3 service stations in Spain, Greece and Austria) will have the technology installed and one new 288m2 floor space construction will be built in Portugal with a total of 464kW installed. The LCOE values will be below 2ct/kWh and the cost of the BIPV module will be below 200 euros per m2 and payback below 10 years. In these sites, the PVadapt technologies will be installed in flat and pitched roofs, as wall replacements and facades and shaders, demonstrating the holistic approach to BIPVs, improving their entire life cycle.