Photovoltaics for Buildings--Cutting-Edge PV

Photovoltaic (PV) technology development for building-integrated applications (commonly called PV for Buildings) is one of the fastest growing areas in the Pv industry. Buildings represent a huge potential market for photovoltaics because they consume approximately two-thirds of the electricity consumed in the United States. The PV and buildings industries are beginning to work together toaddress issues including building codes and standards, integration, after-market servicing, education, and building energy efficiency. One of the most notable programs to encourage development of new PV-for-buildings products is the PV:BONUS program, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy. Demand for these products from building designers has escalated since the program was initiated in 1993. This paper presents a range of PV-for-buildings issues and products that are currently influencing today's PV and buildings markets.