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In the perspective of “nearly zero energy buildings” as foreseen in the EPBD 2010/31/EU, herein a prototype of a wooden prefabricated BiPV wall is conceived, designed, built and tested. The prototype key concepts, identified according to the recommendations of the IEA Task 41 research project, are: multi-functionality, prefabrication, sustainability and integration. The prototype design is the result of a theoretical study which takes into account both architectural integration aspects and energy performance issues. The latter in particular, is based on the evaluation and improvement of both PV and building-related aspects, through the investigation and implementation of low-cost passive strategies to improve the overall BiPV performance. A modular specimen of the prototype was built thanks to an industrial collaboration and tested through an experimental approach, based on the combination of several phases performed in two test facilities (i.e. INTENT lab and SoLaRE-PV lab) by means of original experimental set-up. The effectiveness of the proposed BiPV prototype configuration is proven by comparing the results of the experiments with monitored data of two BiPV systems (a roof and a façade system) located in South Tyrol (North of Italy). The experimental results are then generalized, providing significant data and experimental expressions for a deeper understanding of BiPV systems energy performance.

This document shows product developments and dissemination activities carried out within the framework of, or in close relation to, the project IEA SHC Task 41; Solar Energy and Architecture. This Task gathered researchers and practicing architects from 14 countries in the three year project whose aim was to identify the obstacles architects are facing when incorporating solar design in their projects, to provide resources for overcoming these barriers and to help improving architects’ communication with other stakeholders in the design of solar buildings. Participating countries were Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The report gives not a complete list of activities, but shows the different types of activities to spread the findings in Task 41 and to initiate product developments in participating countries.

This document is addressed to manufacturers of photovoltaic systems. It describes the main criteria for a successful integration of PV systems in buildings and proposes a methodology for the design of systems specifically conceived for building integration. For each specific sub-technology, it provides a comprehensive set of practical recommendations that should lead to the production of new systems appealing to architects.

This document is conceived for architects and intended to be as clear and practical as possible. It summarizes the knowledge needed to integrate active solar technologies (solar thermal and photovoltaics) into buildings, handling at the same time architectural integration issues and energy production requirements. Solar thermal and photovoltaics are treated separately, but the information is given following the same structure: 1- Main technical information; 2- Constructive/functional integration possibilities in the envelope layers; 3- System sizing and positioning criteria; 4- Good integration examples; 5- Formal flexibility offered by standard products; 6 - Innovative market products. To complete the information the manual ends with a short section dedicated to the differences and similarities between solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, with the purpose to help architects make an energetic and architecturally optimized use of the sun exposed surfaces of their buildings.