Experimental testing under real conditions of different solar building skins when using multifunctional BIPV systems

When installing photovoltaic modules on buildings, the mounting system significantly affects both the heat-exchange between the module and the building envelope, and the operating temperatures of the PV modules, which in turn strongly influence the energy yield of the PV system. It is therefore important to be able to simulate and evaluate in advance the behaviour and the potential advantages of a certain type of installation. This paper presents the monitoring results of two examples of building integrated PV systems when installed as a facade cladding system or as roof tiles. The investigated parameter (i.e.: module temperature, electrical parameter, energy yield) can be used to predict the behaviour of such modules on real buildings. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.