Building-applied Photovoltaics

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).