Guidelines for the Economic Evaluation of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Power Systems: Photovoltaic Power Systems in the Built Environment

This report identifies the economic parameters of building-integrated PV (BIPV) systems. The guidelines are structured in three major parts: the investment analysis (methods and ownership issues), benefits, and costs. Measurement and verification are also discussed briefly. ; The outline and evaluation of investment analysis methods showed their effectiveness for BIPV systems. All investmentmethods can be used to evaluate BIPV economics (in relation to other techniques). However, for designing and sizing BIPV systems, either net present value or life cycle cost is recommended. ; The advantages of BIPV systems include multiple (building) functions, electricity benefits, grid-support benefits, control of load growth by utilities (institutionalized by utility and national incentivesand programs), demand savings, power quality and reliability, promotional and educational benefits, environmental benefits, shading and thermal benefits, and security. Each topic is addressed, and international examples are given for most.; The costs of BIPV systems depend on the system technology, utility interconnection costs, labor and installation costs, associated costs for buildingpermits, maintenance costs, costs for replacement and repair, and the salvage costs (or value). Each topic is addressed, and international examples are given for most.