Categorization of BIPV applications

The transfer of photovoltaics (PV) into buildings is a tangible “cause” of innovation. Today, it is much more than an energy-converting solution: it represents a new fundamental aspect in architectural aesthetics and technology [1]. For decades, many classification schemes have been conceived and are intended to be as practical as possible, summarizing the knowledge needed to integrate active solar technologies into buildings. However, the BIPV community has never reached consensus about a reference categorization of BIPV applications in the building skin. Thus, various classifications appeared in literature, guidelines and standards which, according to each target (market, research, feed-in tariffs, dissemination, etc.) have taken different fragmented and not homogeneous criteria into account. The complexity of the BIPV domain, typically bridging construction and electrotechnical perspectives, traditions and innovations, made it complex to make an exhaustive BIPV classification clear since it opens a large potential for interpretation and different uses [2].