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With the continuous development of renewable energy technology, BIPV solar panels are increasingly used in green buildings. Compared with traditional rooftop photovoltaic systems, BIPV not only has the function of power generation, but also directly integrates into roofs, curtain walls, shading systems and other parts as building materials to achieve an integrated design of "power generation + building". Although this new application method is beautiful and efficient, it also puts forward higher technical requirements for building structures. So, does the installation of BIPV solar panels have requirements for building structures? What conditions need to be met? This article will conduct an in-depth analysis of this.

1. Basic structural characteristics of BIPV solar panels

Before understanding the structural requirements, let's briefly understand the characteristics of BIPV solar panels.

Compared with traditional photovoltaic panels, BIPV has the following characteristics:

Structural integration: BIPV panels usually replace the original building components, such as glass curtain walls, roof tiles, sunshades, etc., so they need to meet both power generation and structural functions.

Diversified design: Color, light transmittance, size, and installation method can be customized according to the architectural style.

Long-term load: As a permanent building component, BIPV needs to withstand long-term wind pressure, temperature changes and loads.

Electrical integration: including cable channels, junction boxes, inverter systems, etc., requiring the structure to have a certain amount of wiring space and protection capabilities.

Therefore, the adaptability of the BIPV system to the building structure is particularly important.

2. Basic requirements of the BIPV system for building structures

2.1 Load-bearing capacity

Although BIPV components are lighter than traditional building materials, they are essentially a photovoltaic cell laminated glass product, especially when used in roof or curtain wall systems, which will bring certain additional loads.

Roof bearing capacity: Before installation, it is necessary to evaluate whether the building roof structure can bear the weight of the BIPV system, including the component body, keel system, electrical equipment, etc.

Curtain wall frame strength: For vertically installed glass curtain wall BIPV, the building needs to use high-strength aluminum alloy or steel structure support to avoid glass breakage or collapse.

If a BIPV system is installed on an old building, special attention should be paid to whether the structural reinforcement conditions are met.

2.2 Wind and earthquake resistant design

BIPV systems are usually exposed outdoors and are greatly affected by wind loads, especially high-rise buildings. The structural requirements are as follows:

Wind pressure design: The installation site should have good wind resistance to prevent the components from being blown off.

Seismic resistance assessment: When using BIPV in buildings in earthquake zones, the connection method between the components and the main structure must be considered to avoid peeling or damage caused by shaking.

2.3 Roof/wall inclination and orientation

BIPV power generation efficiency is greatly affected by the angle of sunlight, so the angle and orientation of the roof or wall have a direct impact on component installation:

Orientation requirements: In the northern hemisphere, the BIPV system should face due south to obtain maximum sunlight time.

Tilt angle limit: If the original building slope is small, it may lead to poor drainage or dust and snow accumulation, reducing power generation efficiency.

Structural modification: If necessary, the installation conditions need to be improved by adjusting the roof slope or using a bracket system.

2.4 Waterproof and anti-seepage structural design

The BIPV system is integrated on the surface of the building and undertakes some external maintenance functions, so it must have good sealing and drainage systems:

Sealing of gaps between components: Professional sealing strips, glue and pressure strips must be used to prevent rainwater leakage.

Structural drainage system design: For example, glass curtain wall BIPV should be equipped with drainage grooves or water pipes to prevent rainwater from flowing back.

3. Differences in the adaptability of BIPV structures to different building types

3.1 New buildings

The application of BIPV systems in new projects is more flexible, and it can be incorporated into the structural system during the design stage:

The BIPV installation area can be directly reserved in the architectural design drawings;

The embedded parts and cable channels can be reasonably set in the main structure of the building;

The roof structure, orientation, slope, and drainage system can all match BIPV.

3.2 Existing building renovation

There are many structural restrictions for installing BIPV in existing buildings:

The original structure may not be able to withstand additional loads and requires structural reinforcement;

It is more feasible to embed BIPV during curtain wall replacement or roof renovation;

There may be problems such as wiring difficulties and high electrical system renovation costs.

4. Key structural points to pay attention to during construction

Selection of structural connectors: Use high-strength, stainless steel connectors to avoid rust or fatigue fracture;

Thermal expansion and contraction treatment: Expansion joints should be left between components and structures to prevent damage caused by thermal expansion and contraction;

Construction load control: Avoid damage to the roof/wall due to improper stacking of components or heavy objects during installation;

Lightning protection and grounding system design: Metal brackets, component frames, etc. need to be reliably grounded to ensure structural safety.

5. Analysis of typical application cases

Case 1: BIPV glass curtain wall office building

A green office building in Guangzhou uses a BIPV hollow glass curtain wall system. In the early stage of design, steel structure keels were used to strengthen the glass assembly system, achieving a balance between architectural aesthetics and photovoltaic power generation. The project structure uses a suspended system to ensure that the curtain wall is safe and stable under wind pressure.

Case 2: BIPV tile roof villa complex

An ecological villa area in Zhejiang integrates BIPV components with roof tiles. The construction company adjusted the roof slope, optimized the light receiving angle, and set up ridge drainage grooves during the design stage to ensure the coordination of power generation efficiency and building functions.

The installation of BIPV solar panels does have clear requirements for the building structure. From load bearing capacity, wind and earthquake resistance design, to waterproof sealing system, to orientation, slope, electrical integration, etc., the structural design needs to be optimized around the BIPV system. Especially for old buildings, strict structural evaluation and reinforcement plan formulation must be carried out.

If you need to customize BIPV solutions for your project or seek BIPV component supply and design support, please contact us, we will provide professional integrated integration services.

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