BIPV refers to the use of PV as part of the structure of a building (roofing and facades).  BIPV's benefits are that it does not require additional land..

BIPV is sometimes used to cover the whole of a building instead of conventional building materials. BIPV is used in facades as glazing to act as windows, walls or shading and for cladding and in roof structures as solar tiles and solar slates.

The benefits of BIPV include:

Cost Effective:

Whilst not requiring additional land BIPV is often cheaper than some conventional cladding and glazing materials. Many of the BIPV systems are designed in as part of a building thereby saving money and time in the design process.  As a substitute alternative building material, the marginal cost of BIPV in construction can be minimal

Multifunctional:

PV in facades and roofing not only provides clean free electricity but it also performs additional sunctions in the building envelope including:

*  Weather protection
*  Noise insulation
*  Electrical shielding
*  Thermal insulation
*  Shading
*  Ventilation
 

Aesthetics and Creative Design:

BIPV can be incorporated into buildings to create unique architecture and design possibilities.  PV modules are available in different colours, patterns, textures and translucencies

Enhanced Energy Efficiency:

BIPV is producing electricity whilst you go about your business in a building

Generates Income:

With Feed-in-Tariffs (FiT) (State guaranteed payment for upto 25 years for the electricity generated from BIPV), it is possible to generate tax free revenues from the sun at around 8% ROI

Energy Security:

Relying on getting power only from the grid (electricity companies) is reduced as you generate some of your electricity needs from BIPV.  Aside from grid-connected systems, there are also opportunities for standalone systems that reduce reliance on the grid.  DC systems are available for running security applications in a building such as feeding batteries (as used today in UPS) or fuel cells

Green energy:

PV can be an important part of one's contribution to Climate Change by reducing your organisation's carbon footprint, the Green Agenda and (Corporate) Social Responsibility.  EPIA estimates that 40% of Europe's electricity demand by 020 could be generated from BIPV (1,425TWh/a)

Advantage in Planning Applications:

Renewable energy generation is becoming compulsory in new (Merton Rule stipulates 10-20% of energy use from renewables) and existing buildings. BIPV systems also can be advantageous in supporting planning applications