EN 
PT_BR 
Beautify buildings and homes and, at the same time, generate energy from solar sources, providing an integrated aesthetic filling to buildings. This is the objective of special products for BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics – Photovoltaic Integration in Civil Construction).
“BIPV is a good solution because it suffers less from shading when applied vertically, compared to a conventional crystalline silicon module. This difference makes this type of product a functional coating. In other words, you cover a building with a BIPV material, replacing stone or metal, but at the same time it produces energy”, highlights architect Liciany Ribeiro, state coordinator of ABSOLATE (Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association) in Paraná.
The specialist recognizes that the BIPV module has a higher cost compared to the conventional one, but highlights that this solution expands architectural options by designing a harmonious system and brings the consumer closer to the solar energy market.
“Once there is a photovoltaic on the roof, like the carport, many people end up passing under it and don't know that it has solar energy. But when you use a BIPV on the facade, becoming the highlight, it becomes visible to the consumer, who begins to understand that solar energy is part of our daily lives”, emphasizes Liciany.
In addition to BIPV modules, Liciany highlights that it is possible for professionals to develop projects using solar panels and applying them in harmony with photovoltaic projects.
“Conventional crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules have specific designs. The architect, knowing its dimensions, can choose how he wants to place the equipment on the roof. He can, for example, make a roof in which the module is the roof itself”, says Liciany.
According to the architect, there are several design options for a photovoltaic system. “We have colored, transparent and black modules, which can be applied not only to roofs, but also to facades, giving a black or colored glass finish and generating energy at the same time.”
Specialized professionals
According to Liciany, architects have the ability to say how they would like a system to be integrated into a residence or building, with the help of an electrical engineer.
“Every professional, in a short period of time, will have to decide how they want to use the photovoltaic system in their project. Specialized professionals, for example, have integrated modules with architectural solutions, such as brises (from the French sun break)”, says the architect.
“When it is applied to a sunrise, a pergola or a barbecue cover, which has an effect of shadow and light, in addition to contributing to the photovoltaic, it is reducing the incidence of heat underneath and creating shadow” , adds Liciany.
The specialist also comments on the qualifications of professionals who use solutions using photovoltaic sources. “There are many professionals working in the area of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and certifications that seek sustainability, in addition to professionals who focus on a mix of sustainability.”
Liciany concludes by highlighting that new technologies can be used by architects. “Different tiles and modules are arriving. Therefore, there are more beautiful options than the conventional module, and even this equipment, as it has a more checkered appearance, can be an architect's strategy. So, integrating this concept with what you are thinking is the most interesting and important part.”
