Photovoltaics in Buildings

Photovoltaics provides the feasible means to go beyond energy saving in building to incorporating energy production. There are already numerous successful examples and it is an option in design that is now available to all building planners, not only the PV specialist. This book enables architects and engineers without specialist knowledge to integrate photovoltaic systems into their designs. TOPICS INCLUDE: * components * architectural integration * system design * installation and maintenance * the relationship of PV with other elements of the building's energy system * how to maximize the overall solar contribution to the building and how to optimize the economics The handbook forms a thorough design guide enabling all building designers to make photovoltaics in buildings an architecturally appealing and energy-efficient option. The experienced PV designer will find this book of value for the significant, recent achievements and advances which are incorporated in the text. It is the outcome of the five year program Photovoltaics in Buildings Task 16 within the Solar Heating and Cooling Program of the International Energy Agency. Architects and solar experts from 13 countries around the world took part.