Photovoltaics for Buildings: Key Issues in Pursuit of Market Readiness

The photovoltaic (PV) industry is rapidly beginning to recognize the market potential of the buildings sector. New PV-for-buildings products have recently become commercially available, and numerous products that are under development will be introduced within the next 5 years. To ensure that these new products will be adopted and used in common building practices, the PV industry shouldrecognize and address important buildings industry issues. These issues include building codes and standards, after-market servicing, education, and warranties and insurance policies. Photovoltaic systems are also still very expensive. The; simplest method for increasing their value for a building is to decrease the building's electrical loads through energy efficiency and conservation. Meetingthese goals can only be accomplished through partnerships with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), private industry, and public institutions.