BIPV in Action: Real-World Applications Driving the Sustainable Transformation of Buildings

Make It Green – BIPVV-03 
BIPV in Action: Real-World Applications Driving the Sustainable Transformation of Buildings 

Article: 05/25 


Introduction: From Vision to Implementation 

The integration of photovoltaic technology into the fabric of our buildings, known as Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), represents a paradigm shift in the construction industry and is one of the most promising ways to decarbonize the built environment. As cities and building practices evolve under the pressure of climate goals and energy regulations, BIPV solutions are becoming increasingly viable - not only technologically, but also economically and aesthetically. Solar panels are no longer simply add-ons to existing structures, but rather integral components that seamlessly blend functionality with sustainability. BIPV has the potential to revolutionize the way we design, build and power our environment. 

In this context, the role of ecodesign becomes essential: designing BIPV systems from the outset with performance, longevity, circularity and architectural integration in mind. The European project MC2.0 (Mass Customization for BIPV) investigates how stakeholders - architects, manufacturers and engineers - approach BIPV in different building typologies. By mapping practices, analyzing stakeholder needs, and testing design tools, MC2.0 aims to accelerate the development of scalable, user-centric BIPV solutions. 

Moving from concept to practice requires a coordinated effort between architects, manufacturers, engineers, and developers. In this third article in our BIPV series, we look at real building projects that have effectively implemented BIPV systems. More than inspirational, these case studies are critical to understanding the conditions under which BIPV thrives and the barriers it must overcome. From urban towers to student housing to iconic landmarks, BIPV is becoming a defining element of sustainable architecture.


Art Meets Energy: Pavillon Novartis in Basel, Switzerland 

In a striking example of aesthetic integration, the Novartis Pavilion in Basel, Switzerland, scheduled for completion in spring 2022, showcases the harmonious blend of art and BIPV energy generation. Designed by AMDL CIRCLE in collaboration with architect Michele de Lucchi and located in the Novartis Park, this public pavilion features a translucent media façade with 10,000 diamond-shaped organic photovoltaic (OPV) panels with 30,000 embedded LEDs. In addition, the façade uses transparent silicon solar panels. This innovative approach not only generates approximately 15,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, the equivalent of about four average homes, but also creates a visually stunning architectural statement. The diamond-shaped OPV panels and embedded LEDs create a unique geometric pattern on the facade, giving the building a distinctly modern and artistic appearance. The use of transparent silicon solar panels in the curtain wall is particularly noteworthy, as it allows sunlight to be converted into electricity without blocking natural daylight from entering the building. This dual functionality highlights the potential of BIPV to meet both energy and aesthetic requirements in architectural design. The project is widely regarded as a successful fusion of artistic vision and technological innovation in the field of BIPV, demonstrating that energy-producing buildings can also be works of art that enhance the urban landscape. The Novartis Pavilion is a compelling example of how BIPV can be seamlessly integrated into architectural design, contributing to both sustainability and visual appeal. 

Figg. 1-2 | Pavillon Novartis in Basel, Switzerland 


A Colorful Commitment: Copenhagen International School 

The Copenhagen International School (CIS) in Denmark designed by C.F. Møller Architects stands as a testament to the potential of BIPV in large-scale public buildings, particularly in the educational sector. Completed within the last three years, this project involved cladding the entire facade of the school with approximately 12,000 custom-colored, lightweight solar panels. This ambitious undertaking not only significantly reduces the school's environmental footprint by supplying almost half of its annual electricity consumption but also showcases the design flexibility of modern BIPV solutions. The integration of custom-colored panels into the facade demonstrates that BIPV can move beyond the traditional dark hues of solar panels, allowing architects to maintain or even enhance the visual identity of a building while incorporating renewable energy generation. The primary challenge likely involved integrating such a large number of solar panels into the facade while ensuring structural integrity, weather resistance, and aesthetic coherence. The use of lightweight panels was crucial in minimizing the additional load on the building's structure. The fact that the panels were custom-colored indicates a focus on maintaining the architectural vision of the school, demonstrating that sustainability and design can go hand in hand. The Copenhagen International School serves as an inspiring example for other educational institutions and public buildings looking to make a significant commitment to renewable energy through aesthetically integrated BIPV solutions. The project highlights the potential for BIPV to contribute substantially to the energy needs of large buildings while also enhancing their visual appeal. 

Fig. 3 | Copenhagen International School, Denmark 

Red Deer College Residence (Canada): Customization and Efficiency 

The Red Deer College student residence, located in Alberta, Canada, exemplifies the application of BIPV to meet rigorous energy efficiency demands while adhering to local climate conditions and architectural aesthetics. The project incorporated more than 300 m² of custom-made photovoltaic glass into the south-facing façade, strategically designed to optimize solar energy capture and minimize energy consumption. The collaboration with MetSolar enabled the integration of BIPV solutions that not only fulfill the energy targets but also align with the architectural language and aesthetic requirements of the building. This development highlights how BIPV systems can be customized to meet the unique design specifications of public buildings while adhering to sustainability and energy performance goals. The careful planning and early-stage collaboration among architects, engineers, and energy consultants were key to ensuring that the PV glass integrated seamlessly into the building’s design. Furthermore, this project emphasizes the importance of BIPV in public buildings where visibility and environmental sustainability are of utmost importance. By integrating BIPV in the façade, the Red Deer College Residence demonstrates how solar energy solutions can be tailored to both functional and visual demands, setting a standard for energy-conscious building design in the region. 


Fig. 4 | Red College Residence, Canada 

Unipol Tower: Leadership in Sustainable High-Rise Construction 

Unipol Tower design by MCA in Milan stands as a beacon of sustainable design in high-rise architecture, utilizing BIPV on a commercial scale. This 30-story building features a double-skin façade fully integrated with photovoltaic modules that follow the tower's curvature, blending energy generation with innovative design. The partnership with MetSolar enabled the seamless integration of BIPV panels, which not only contribute to energy production but also enhance the building’s daylighting performance, maximizing natural light while minimizing energy consumption. The project has achieved LEED Gold certification, underscoring its leadership in sustainable architecture and the potential of BIPV to play a central role in high-rise construction. The use of BIPV in Unipol Tower was not an afterthought but a fundamental component of the building's design process, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and regulatory compliance. Special attention was given to fire safety and energy performance standards, ensuring the system’s efficiency and safety in a high-rise environment. This integration reinforces the idea that sustainability and architectural intent must work in tandem from the outset of any project. Unipol Tower showcases the future of commercial buildings where energy systems like BIPV are not just an addition but an integral part of the design, making it a model for other high-rise structures worldwide. 


Fig. 5 | Unipol Tower, Milan 

The Curving Powerhouse: MVRDV's Sun Rock for Taipower, Taiwan 

The Sun Rock building, designed by the renowned architectural firm MVRDV for Taiwan's power utility Taipower, is an ambitious project currently under construction in Changhua Coastal Industrial Park, near Taichung, Taiwan, with an expected completion in 2024. This operations facility, which will house offices, a maintenance workshop, storage spaces, and a public gallery, is designed with a distinct rounded shape and a pleated facade specifically to maximize solar energy capture. The entire facade will be covered with approximately 4,000 square meters of PV panels, strategically integrated into the pleats and combined with windows where necessary. This innovative design is projected to generate 1.2 million kWh of clean energy annually, making the building completely self-sufficient and potentially allowing it to export excess electricity to the grid. The building's form is not arbitrary but is instead a direct result of data-driven analysis to optimize solar irradiation throughout the day. The southern side features a gentle slope to capture midday sun, while the domed northern end maximizes exposure in the mornings and evenings. The primary design challenge was to optimize solar energy capture on a curved surface with constantly varying angles of incidence. MVRDV's solution was the creation of a pleated facade where the angle of each pleat is precisely adjusted based on solar path analysis. This meticulous approach ensures that the photovoltaic panels are consistently oriented to receive the maximum amount of sunlight. The integration of windows within the pleated facade further demonstrates a sophisticated approach to balancing energy generation with natural lighting needs. The inclusion of a public gallery within the Sun Rock building underscores Taipower's commitment to transparency and public education regarding sustainable energy technologies. This project stands as a powerful example of how BIPV can be seamlessly integrated into a building's architectural concept, transforming it into a functional power plant and a symbol of a commitment to a greener future. 


Figg. 6-7 | The Curving Powerhouse, render and solar analysis


Lessons from Global BIPV Projects 

The IEA PVPS Task 15 international portfolio of BIPV projects, including the ZEB Pilot House (Norway), SDE4 building (Singapore), and Tour Elithis (France), demonstrates the versatility of BIPV in different climates and building types. A common success factor is multidisciplinary coordination, reliable verification, and regulatory alignment. Adoption increases with policy incentives, visible results, and clear maintenance strategies. Each successful project builds credibility and helps drive market acceptance. 

However, some projects ultimately reject BIPV. Understanding the reasons behind these decisions is important for assessing the feasibility and challenges of BIPV. 

A key barrier is the higher upfront cost of BIPV compared to conventional materials and building applied photovoltaics (BAPV). Although BIPV reduces long-term energy costs, the substantial initial investment is often prohibitive, especially for budget-conscious projects. Developers prioritize minimizing capital expenditures, and if the payback period for BIPV is too long or uncertain, they may choose conventional alternatives. Economic viability depends on factors such as module cost, installation complexity, incentives, and energy prices. If these factors don't align, the financial case for BIPV may be weak. 

In addition, longer payback periods make BIPV less attractive compared to other energy solutions or traditional materials. Despite long-term savings and potential increases in property value, upfront costs can be a deterrent, especially when immediate savings are a priority. Although PV technology prices have fallen, the economics of BIPV remain a critical factor for certain building types. 

Technical complexity and a lack of industry standards are also barriers to BIPV adoption. Implementing BIPV requires expertise in both construction and electrical engineering, and many companies may not have the necessary in-house knowledge. This can lead to concerns about reliability, performance, and maintenance. The electrical design of BIPV systems, such as DC design, cabling, and inverters, often requires specialized contractors, adding cost and complexity. The relative newness of BIPV means there are fewer qualified manufacturers and installers, leading to hesitation among developers. In addition, the lack of clear certification and code requirements for BIPV systems complicates compliance and can discourage adoption. 


Conclusion: Powering the Future, Brick by Solar Brick 

The case studies explored in this article demonstrate the exciting potential and increasing viability of Building Integrated Photovoltaics in modern construction. From large-scale industrial rooftops to aesthetically integrated facades and architecturally ambitious designs, BIPV is proving its versatility and capacity to contribute significantly to sustainable building practices. The projects presented showcase the diverse applications and tangible benefits of this technology, ranging from substantial energy generation and carbon emission reduction to enhanced architectural appeal and public engagement. 

However, the decision to adopt BIPV is not always straightforward. As highlighted by the reasons for non-adoption, challenges related to initial costs and technical complexity persist. These factors often require careful consideration and a long-term perspective that weighs the upfront investment against the future energy savings and environmental benefits. Overcoming these hurdles will likely involve continued technological advancements that drive down costs and improve efficiency, as well as the development of clearer industry standards, increased expertise across the building and solar sectors, and supportive government policies. 

Despite these challenges, the future of BIPV looks promising. The increasing global focus on achieving net-zero energy buildings and the growing demand for aesthetically pleasing and customizable solar solutions are creating a favorable environment for BIPV adoption. As the technology matures and becomes more readily accessible, it is poised to play an increasingly vital role in transforming our buildings from energy consumers into energy producers.  



References 

Extended Reality (XR) in Construction: Transforming Design, Building, and Operation

By AP • April 3, 2025
Make it Human Extended Reality (XR) in Construction: Transforming Design, Building, and Operation Series: Make It Human - XR-02 Article: 04/25 Introduction The construction industry, long characterized by traditional methods, is undergoing a significant transformation driven by technological advancements. Extended Reality (XR) technologies are poised to redefine every stage of the construction lifecycle. XR, an umbrella term encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), blends the physical and digital worlds to create immersive and interactive experiences. From initial design conceptualization to the intricacies of on-site construction, the complexities of end-of-life processes, and the ongoing demands of operation and maintenance, XR is emerging as a powerful tool for enhancing accuracy, fostering collaboration, bolstering safety, and improving overall efficiency. The increasing adoption of these immersive technologies across the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry signals a fundamental shift towards a more digital and intuitive future. Companies at the forefront of XR technologies are revolutionizing workflows, reducing errors, and enhancing decision-making across the entire building lifecycle. Case Studies Transforming the Construction Sector: Virtual Prototyping and Immersive Collaboration The initial phases of any construction project, particularly design, are critical for setting the stage for success. XR technologies offer a paradigm shift in how designs are visualized and experienced. By enabling stakeholders to step into a full-scale, immersive 3D environment of the proposed building or infrastructure, XR overcomes the limitations of traditional 2D blueprints and static renderings that can often be challenging for non-technical audiences to interpret. This capability fosters a deeper understanding of spatial relationships, scale, and aesthetics, leading to more informed decision-making and reduced misunderstandings. The transformative power of XR extends beyond the design phase into the dynamic environment of the construction site itself. Augmented Reality, in particular, plays a crucial role in providing on-site workers with real-time guidance, enabling them to visualize digital information overlaid onto the physical construction environment. This capability enhances accuracy in installations, facilitates progress monitoring, and improves communication between on-site teams and remote experts. The adoption of XR in operation and maintenance offers numerous benefits. It improves efficiency and accuracy in maintenance tasks by providing real-time data and step-by-step instructions. Enhanced training for complex procedures can be delivered in a safe and virtual environment, leading to a more competent workforce.2 Remote assistance and collaboration capabilities allow for faster troubleshooting and resolution of complex repairs, reducing downtime.3 Predictive maintenance can be facilitated through the visualization and analysis of real-time data.1 Ultimately, these advantages contribute to reduced downtime, lower operational costs, and extended lifespans for buildings and infrastructure. Unity – Custom XR Development for AEC Applications Unity is a powerful real-time 3D development platform that enables architects, engineers, and construction professionals to create immersive XR applications tailored to their specific needs. With Unity, stakeholders can build VR walkthroughs, AR overlays, and MR simulations to visualize projects at full scale before construction begins. Its capabilities extend to lighting analysis, spatial awareness, and integration with BIM models, improving decision-making and reducing errors. By allowing teams to interact with a digital twin of their project, Unity enhances collaboration and accelerates design approvals, ultimately reducing costly modifications during later stages. HoloBuilder – Real-Time Remote Construction Monitoring HoloBuilder revolutionizes site monitoring by offering a 360-degree photo documentation platform powered by AI and AR. Site managers and stakeholders can track progress remotely, compare real-time conditions with design models, and streamline issue detection. The platform seamlessly integrates with Autodesk and Procore, enabling automatic updates and historical tracking. Construction teams benefit from enhanced transparency, reduced rework, and improved quality control. By bridging the gap between virtual and physical job sites, HoloBuilder ensures efficient project execution and helps maintain project timelines and budgets. 

Tracking Product Lifecycle Information: Digital Product Passports Will Revolutionize Construction Industry

By MG • March 3, 2025
Make It Digital DPP– DPP case studies: Make It Digital DPP-02 Article: 03/25

Advancing BIPV in Architecture. Transforming Traditional Building Systems into Energy Generators.

By AP • February 4, 2025
Make It Green BIPV Products: Advancing Integration in Architecture Series: Make It Green BIPV-02 Article: 02/25 Introduction Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) represents a significant evolution in sustainable construction, transforming conventional building systems into dual-purpose components that maintain their primary architectural functions while generating clean energy. This technological advancement marks a departure from traditional design and construction approaches, where building systems played primarly passive role. By integrating photovoltaic capabilities into standard building components such as windows, facades, and roofing materials, BIPV solutions are revolutionizing the way we conceptualize building envelope systems. The integration of photovoltaic technology into building elements presents unique challenges, particularly in meeting both construction and electrical performance requirements. These solutions must simultaneously meet building elements code requirements such as mechanical strength, weather resistance, and thermal performance while meeting stringent photovoltaic standards for power generation and safety. This dual compliance requirement has driven significant innovation in materials science and engineering, resulting in sophisticated solutions that improve both building performance and energy generation capabilities.

Extended Reality (XR) Stakeholder Engagement and Actors' Role

By AP • January 3, 2025
Make It Human XR – Stakeholder Engagement and Actors' Role Series: Make It Human XR-01 Article: 01/25 Introduction Known for its complexity and reliance on precision, the construction industry is increasingly embracing digital technologies to streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and improve efficiency. Among these technologies, Extended Reality (XR), which includes Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), has emerged as a powerful tool for revolutionizing construction practices at various stages of a building's lifecycle. By providing immersive and interactive environments, XR technologies enable stakeholders to visualize, simulate, and analyze construction projects in new ways, ultimately leading to smarter decisions, reduced errors, and increased productivity. VR, AR, and MR represent different but complementary approaches to integrating digital information into the physical world. These technologies have found multiple applications in the construction industry, from the design phase, where VR enables immersive simulations, to the operations phase, where AR and MR enhance building systems management and maintenance. As construction projects become more complex, the need for accurate, real-time data and seamless collaboration across teams has never been more critical. XR solutions provide innovative answers to these challenges, offering transformative potential to improve efficiency, reduce costs and promote sustainability in the built environment. This article will explore the different roles that VR, AR, and MR play in construction, and how these technologies are being applied at each stage of a project's lifecycle-from design and planning, to construction, to operations and maintenance. It will also highlight key players, including universities, research organizations, and companies, that are advancing XR in the construction sector. Definitions B efore diving into their applications, it's important to define the core technologies. Virtual Reality. VR is an immersive technology that creates an entirely digital environment, often experienced through headsets or other specialized devices. In the construction industry, VR allows stakeholders to step into a fully realized 3D model of a project before it is built, enabling virtual walkthroughs and simulations. This offers significant benefits in terms of design validation, user experience evaluation, and stakeholder engagement. For example, architects and clients can explore spaces, check dimensions, and visualize different design options in a virtual world, helping to identify potential problems early in the design process. Augmented Reality. AR overlays digital information - such as 3D models, annotations, or real-time data - onto the physical world. AR in construction is often used in the field to assist with tasks such as assembly, inspection, or maintenance. For example, using AR glasses or mobile devices, workers can see digital overlays that provide additional information about a building's components or systems as they interact with the physical space. This improves decision-making and reduces errors during construction and operation by providing real-time, contextual data. Mixed Reality. MR combines elements of VR and AR to create a seamless integration of the digital and physical worlds. MR allows users to interact with both real and virtual objects in real time, providing a more dynamic and interactive experience. In the construction industry, MR is increasingly being used for design collaboration and real-time project visualization. For example, engineers can view and manipulate digital models overlaid on physical components during construction or operation, enabling a more complete understanding of how different systems interact. MR fosters collaboration among multiple stakeholders by allowing them to share and manipulate project data in a common environment, regardless of physical location. Together, VR, AR, and MR are the core components of XR technology, which is rapidly transforming the construction industry by enabling more accurate planning, improved communication, and more informed decision-making at every stage of a project. These technologies are changing the way construction professionals engage with buildings at all stages, providing immersive ways to visualize, interact, and optimize the built environment.
MG

Digital Product Passport (DPP) Stakeholder Engagement and Actors' Role

By MG • November 28, 2024
Make It Digital DPP– Stakeholder Engagement and Actors' Role Series: Make It Digital DPP-01 Article: 02/24 Introduction The European Commission has recently adopted the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (EU, 2024), a regulatory instrument aimed at promoting and harmonizing circular economy practices in the design and production of a wide range of products, including construction products. The regulatory framework, which is expected to be fully adopted by the end of 2024, introduces the concept of the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a digital identity card for products, components, and materials that can store and make accessible detailed information about the product to help stakeholder make decision in adopting circular and informed choices. What is the state of the art? Who is driving it in the construction sector? The evolution of DPP and key players The evolution of the DPP for the construction sector arises from the growing need to track and valorize data throughout the entire life cycle of a building product, with a view to a circular economy and sustainability. A significant precursor was the European BAMB 2020 project (Building As a Material Bank), which pioneered the digitalization of construction materials and the importance of information transparency (Heinrich and Lang, 2020) (Fig. 1). In this context, the concept of Digital Mining emerges, aimed at extracting value from data coming from various sources, such as product technical sheets, environmental certifications, and supply chain information. Platforms like Circularise (Fig. 2) and MADASTER (Fig. 3) are already offering concrete solutions for the creation and management of DPPs, facilitating the collection, analysis, and sharing of data on building products, thus contributing to greater transparency and sustainability in the sector.

Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Stakeholder Engagement & Actors' Role

By AP • October 14, 2024
Make It Green BIPV – Stakeholder Engagement and Actors' Role Series: Make It Green BIPV-01 Article: 01/24 Introduction Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are increasingly recognized as a crucial element in sustainable construction, offering a solution that goes beyond traditional solar panels by integrating energy generation directly into a building’s architecture. Unlike conventional PV systems, BIPV systems are woven into the design and construction process, making them more complex to manage and deploy. This article examines the pivotal roles played by different actors throughout the various stages of BIPV development, from research and design to implementation, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach. Research and Simulation: The Foundation of BIPV Integration Research institutions like EURAC, EPFL, and SUPSI are at the forefront of advancing BIPV technologies. Their work is fundamental in refining both the materials and systems used in BIPV, ensuring that these solutions are not only energy-efficient but also adaptable to diverse architectural demands. EURAC's research on climate-responsive façades, for example, demonstrates the importance of simulation in optimizing the performance of BIPV in various environmental conditions. At EPFL, cutting-edge simulations help architects visualize how photovoltaic elements can be seamlessly integrated into building designs without sacrificing aesthetics or structural integrity. Similarly, SUPSI has made significant strides in ensuring that BIPV systems meet stringent energy efficiency standards. Their research also supports the critical role of simulations in understanding how BIPV technologies behave under real-world conditions, ensuring that these systems are durable and capable of meeting long-term energy goals.