Identification of barriers to PV application into the building design

Even though there are a number of examples of BIPV, the concept of integration into the building and its design process have not yet been clearly defined. Lack of integration makes this new technology application expensive and very complex to implement. The challenge is how to make this new concept easily applicable and to spread this promising technology for users. In order for PV technology to be added effectively into the design process, full integration is essential. Full integration can be achieved when close interface develops between the PV System and the elements of the building design process. The design process is the spine that links the building from its inception all through its life cycle. The architects, along with the consultants and technical experts, are directly responsible for this process. PV has to be part of the building material and its building material properties have to be equivalent to other conventional building materials. PV has to fit into the building design process from the beginning. As a building component, it has to have certain standards and codes that will fit well within general building codes. This paper starts with the definition of the architectural building design process. It then continues with identifying the barriers that have direct effect on this process. These barriers are lack of interface (integration with typical building process), lack of common language, mismatched potential, unknown performance, and lack of economic analysis. The paper concludes by giving suggestions on how these barriers can be broken.