The core differences between BIPV and ordinary photovoltaic modules

　　With the continuous innovation of photovoltaic technology, Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) has gradually become an important trend in the field of green buildings, while traditional ordinary photovoltaic modules are still the core equipment of centralized photovoltaic power plants. Although both belong to the field of photovoltaics, there are significant differences between the two in terms of design concepts, functional positioning, and application scenarios. This article will compare and analyze the characteristics of BIPV and ordinary photovoltaic modules from six dimensions, providing reference for technology selection.

　　1、 Definition and functional positioning

　　1 BIPV(Building Integrated Photovoltaics)

　　Definition: A photovoltaic module that is deeply integrated with building structures and has power generation functions and building material properties, such as roofs, glass curtain walls, transparent windows, etc.

　　Core function: It combines power generation and building protection functions, including shading, insulation, waterproofing, etc.

　　Typical applications: integration of glass curtain walls in office buildings, installation of photovoltaic tiles on roofs, transparent skylights, etc.

　　2. Ordinary photovoltaic modules

　　Definition: Photovoltaic panels that adopt standardized design need to be installed on building surfaces such as roofs or floors through brackets or fixtures.

　　Core function: Only has power generation function, without building protection function.

　　Typical application: Used alone for photovoltaic power generation systems on roofs or walls.

　　2、 Design differences

　　1. Functional integration degree

　　BIPV deeply integrates photovoltaic power generation with building structures, providing higher functional integration and enabling multifunctional sharing.

　　Ordinary photovoltaic modules are only responsible for power generation and do not have building protection or other functions.

　　2. Design freedom

　　BIPV design can fully consider the architectural style and structural integrity, and can be flexibly customized for design.

　　The design of ordinary photovoltaic modules is relatively fixed, mainly focusing on the efficiency of light collection.

　　3、 Installation and Maintenance

　　1. Installation complexity

　　BIPV requires reservation and integration during the building construction process, making the installation process more complex.

　　Ordinary photovoltaic modules can be installed independently without affecting the building structure, but require additional support brackets.

　　2. Operation and maintenance management

　　BIPV may generate heat during operation and have an impact on buildings, therefore regular monitoring and regulation are required.

　　The operation and maintenance of ordinary photovoltaic modules are relatively simple, mainly focusing on power generation efficiency.

　　4、 Performance and Economy Comparison

　　1. Performance indicators

　　BIPV has lower overall efficiency, but more efficient energy conversion can be achieved by improving light utilization and heat recovery.

　　Ordinary photovoltaic modules exhibit excellent performance in single power generation.

　　2. Economic evaluation

　　The initial investment cost of BIPV is relatively high, but in the long run, it can bring energy-saving effects by reducing energy consumption.

　　The economy of ordinary photovoltaic modules is mainly reflected in their power generation efficiency and installation convenience.

　　5、 Application scenario selection

　　1. Building type

　　BIPV is suitable for modern buildings that require the integration of architecture and energy, such as green office buildings, zero carbon houses, etc.

　　Ordinary photovoltaic modules are suitable for ordinary building structures, especially roofs or walls with high demand for power generation.

　　2. Technical Applicability

　　BIPV technology has a low maturity and is mainly used in experimental and cutting-edge design fields.

　　The mature and reliable technology of ordinary photovoltaic modules is the mainstream choice for commercial applications.

　　6、 Future Development Trends

　　1. Technological progress

　　With the improvement of materials science and photovoltaic efficiency, BIPV will further optimize its performance and reduce costs.

　　Ordinary photovoltaic modules will continue to steadily develop in the field of centralized power generation with their advantages.

　　2. Market prospects

　　It is expected that the global BIPV market will exceed 30 billion US dollars by 2030, showing a high-speed growth trend.

　　The ordinary photovoltaic module market will maintain stable growth, but the growth rate may slow down.

　　Conclusion

　　From the two core dimensions of functional integration and design freedom, BIPV has essential differences from ordinary photovoltaic modules. BIPV is not only an important means of improving building energy efficiency, but also a model of deep integration between energy systems and building structures, while ordinary photovoltaic modules mainly serve a single function. The choice of solution depends on project requirements, cost budget, and level of policy support. In the future, with the advancement of technology and the increasing demand for low-carbon, BIPV is expected to become an important carrier for urban energy transformation, providing broader application prospects for the integration of buildings and energy systems.

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