Experimental validation of an improved concept of building integrated photovoltaic panels

Recent progress in the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive resulted in a significant increase of rooftop PV installations in European buildings. In certain cases the PV installation is extended to cover also south- or west-facing walls byair cooled Building Integrated PV panels (BIPV). The cooling effect maintains a highconversion efficiency of the panels and the heated air may be exploited by the HVAC or service water heating system. Sizing and design of the double facade system is critical to its energetic performance. In this paper, the transient thermal behavior of the basic structural module of a double-skin photovoltaic facade is experimentally investigated in real insolation conditions. The results are employed in the validation and further improvement of integration of a BIPV concept to the HVAC system of a building. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.