The role of BIPV in nZEB design. A project proposal for a research center

The most well-known building integration of solar energy applications is Building-integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). This technology has attracted increasing attention due to its potential to facilitate the design of net Zero Energy Buildings through enhanced solar energy utilization. BIPV systems replace the outer building envelope skin serving simultaneously as both a climate screen and a power source generating electricity. Thus, BIPV may provide savings in materials and labor, in addition to reducing the electricity costs. This work summarizes briefly the current state-of-the-art of BIPV, from the point of view of the architect, taking into account the functional and the economic aspect, but also including the visual and aesthetical one. BIPV case studies are reviewed, and finally a project for the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia – Center for Nanoscience and Technology is proposed, as practical tool to apply the analyzed technologies. Therefore, this work aims to provide constructive information on the advantages, as well as addressing the limitations of BIPV, all put into practice in an architectural project.