In the built environment, building-applied PV (BAPV) are the most common type of installation both in Canada and around the word. PV modules in a BAPV installation are typically mounted on a racking system. Two basic variants can be distinguished:
- With orientation of the panels either optimized for solar energy generation (i.e. optimal azimuth and tilt angles) (see figure 1); or
- Flush-mounted in parallel to the building component they are attached to (e.g. the roof or wall) (see figure 2).
Figure 1: BAPV roof system oriented to optimize solar energy generation (© CanmetENERGY-Varennes)
Figure 2: BAPV system flush-mounted on the roof (© Shutterstock)