BIPV vs traditional solar panels: A comparison of the ...

02 Sep.,2024

 

BIPV vs traditional solar panels: A comparison of the ...

BIPV vs traditional solar panels: A comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

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Gainsolar

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May 12,

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When it comes to generating solar power, there are two main options available: traditional solar panels and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). While both technologies use the same basic principles to convert sunlight into electricity, they differ in their design, installation, and functionality. In this article, we will compare the advantages and disadvantages of each technology to help you determine which one is right for your needs.

Traditional Solar Panels

Advantages:

High efficiency: Traditional solar panels are highly efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, with an average efficiency of around 15&#;20%. This means that they can generate a significant amount of electricity even in low light conditions.

Proven technology: Traditional solar panels have been in use for several decades and are a proven technology. They have been extensively tested and their performance is well understood.

Easy to install: Traditional solar panels are relatively easy to install and can be mounted on almost any type of surface, including roofs, poles, and the ground.

Disadvantages:

Aesthetically unappealing: Traditional solar panels are often considered unsightly and can detract from the appearance of a building.

Limited design options: Traditional solar panels come in a limited range of sizes and shapes, which can limit the design options for building integration.

Requires additional installation and maintenance costs: Traditional solar panels require additional equipment, such as mounting brackets, inverters, and wiring, which can increase installation costs. They also require periodic maintenance, such as cleaning and inspection, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

Advantages:

Aesthetically pleasing: BIPV systems are designed to blend seamlessly into the building design, providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance than traditional solar panels. BIPV panels can be designed in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to match the building&#;s architecture and style.

Energy-efficient: BIPV can be used to provide shading and insulation, which can help to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool a building.

Reduced energy costs: BIPV generates electricity on-site, reducing the dependence on the grid and lowering energy costs.

Disadvantages:

Lower efficiency: BIPV panels are typically less efficient than traditional solar panels, with an average efficiency of around 5&#;10%. This means that they generate less electricity per square foot than traditional solar panels.

Limited availability: BIPV systems are not yet widely available and can be difficult to find in certain markets.

Higher installation costs: BIPV systems require specialized installation techniques and equipment, which can increase installation costs.

Conclusion:

When deciding between traditional solar panels and building-integrated photovoltaics, there are several factors to consider. Traditional solar panels offer high efficiency and a proven technology, but can be aesthetically unappealing and require additional installation and maintenance costs. BIPV, on the other hand, provides a more aesthetically pleasing appearance and can reduce energy costs, but is less efficient and has higher installation costs.

Ultimately, the choice between traditional solar panels and BIPV depends on your specific needs and priorities. If efficiency and cost are your top concerns, traditional solar panels may be the best choice. However, if aesthetics and energy efficiency are important to you, BIPV may be the better option.

Solar Panels: A Brief Guide on selecting the right one

Since many people, businesses and governments have started worrying about the catastrophic effects of carbon emissions resulting in climate change. There has been an exponential increase in sustainable energy as a part of a socially conscious investment. And solar energy is amongst the most frequently cited alternate energy forms. As per Statista, the global PV capacity has increased from 5 GW () to 632 GW ().

For stakeholders, selecting the right panel is an essential stage in the development of a robust and cost-saving solar system. It all comes down to three things &#; aesthetic appeal, operational budget and energy generation efficiency. Though these are critical aspects, solar panels have a factor that is applicable to all three aspects: the type of solar panel you select.

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A credible manufacturer could provide premium panels that last decades and aid you in saving a lot of energy expenses over the years. On the contrary, the manufacturers who emphasize upfront costs instead of long-term outcomes will leave you with a system that will not withstand the test of time and weather challenges.

PV panels of 1st generation are developed with mono-crystalline silicon and multi-crystalline silicon cells, accompanied by 2nd generation of thin-layer oriented solar cells (CdTe and CIGS). The PV modules of the 3rd generation strive to merge high- performance, long lifespan and thinner sheets.

When you are choosing a solar panel system for a residential, commercial and industrial installation, consider the following elements;

The color of the frame and backsheet

Every solar panel has a set of silicon cells mounted on its backsheet. This sheet reveals the spaces between cells and develops a template for the grid. Rather than conventional white, some manufacturers provide solar panels with black backsheet. Black backsheets build a more consistent panel which merges into dark roofs. Nevertheless, black retains heat, the black backsheets could become warmer than standard panels and this could degrade the efficiency of the panels.

The metal frame color across the edges of the panels also has 2 alternatives: black and silver. Panels with black frame may be more impressive but expensive. On the other hand, the performance of both frames is identical.

The size of the panels

Majority of the panels come in two different sizes: 60 cell and 72 cells.  It illustrates the number of cells positioned on the solar panel. By size, 72-cell panels are a foot longer and little heavier than the 6-cell panels.

The bigger panels are favoured in the commercial and industrial installations while the 60-cell panels are preferred in sites which have space constraints. The 72-cell model is identical to the 60-cell panels, but they are economical and have greater energy output.

Panel performance

The performance of a solar panel is driven by two components &#; output rating and efficiency. Output rating is the 3-digit number written on the back of a panel and it indicates the watts of power the panel will generate under optimal circumstances. Generally, the output ratings range from 200 to 400 watts, some manufacturers offer output ratings above 450 watts as well but those panels are costly.

Further, power output isn&#;t the only aspect to watch out for. You must also recognize the percentage of panel efficiency. The more powerful a solar panel, the more KWH of electricity it will deliver per watt of capacity.

Linear Warranty and Quality assurance

A stable warranty despite the panel deterioration from the manufacturer is a significant indicator of the overall panel efficiency. Numerous top-performing solar panels are assured for 25 to 30 years and are still capable to function after their warranty ends. The energy generated is directly proportional to the money you save from the installation. And choosing modules that are supported by a complete warranty will contribute to their performance.

You would want to look at factors like panel&#;s guarantee, the reputation of the manufacturer, client feedback and operational specifications, coefficient of temperature and power resistance, to get a true panel quality measurement.

The Type of panels &#; Novergy product line

One size fit all is not an appropriate approach while choosing the panels. As it depends on a variety of variables such as your budget, the installation space, amount of energy you want to produce and lastly, the aesthetic quotient.

The information below will furnish you with the intricate details about every panel that Novergy offers. Here are the three types of panels which are designed, engineered and manufactured by us;

  • Solar Twin cell panels

Best suited for sites with space constraints, Twin-cell solar panels use revolutionary technology to enhance their longevity and robustness by 2X. The traditional 72 cells are halved and 144 cells are developed. These multiple cells minimize the resistive loss and mechanical stress in the modules, which dramatically increase the module&#;s efficiency and power.

The twin-cell configuration also improves the modules&#; efficiency under reduced irradiance conditions. For example, in a rooftop situation, when some standard modules are mounted and one row of a module is shaded, the overall module performance is zero. A twin cell module guarantees at least 50% power output in a similar condition. If any parts of the module are in the shadow, the conversion will not stop. It is designed with Passivated Emitter Rear Cell (PERC) and 5-busbar technology to ensure maximum yield and faster payback.

 

  • Building Integrated PhotoVoltaic (BIPV) 

As the title indicates, BIPV can be fully incorporated with the building&#;s architecture.  BIPV can be conveniently mounted on a building to replace the primary building materials while enhancing  the visual appeal  of the building.

Novergy&#;s solar BIPV module is the most favoured choice for architects, building consultants or designers to construct sustainable and green buildings without sacrificing architectural concepts .

BIPV can be employed in a plethora of applications, including façades, rooftop, canopies, parking and more. We want to make absolutely sure that all buildings can display beauty while also being the source to harvest clean energy.  These modules can also assist investors in attaining Green Building certifications like GRIHA, LEED etc.

There are three types of BIPV which Novergy produces;

 

 

  • Crystalline solar panels

Novergy manufactures two variants of crystalline panels &#; Monocrystalline solar panel and Polycrystalline solar panel. The solar cells of monocrystalline panels are developed from a single crystal of silicon while the cells of polycrystalline are created using numerous melted fragments of silicon.

The cell efficiency of these models is more than 24%. They are available in varying wattages of up to 350w and multiple cell configurations, including 72 cells, 60 cells and 36 cells.

We produce high performance crystalline silicon modules made from raw components of the finest quality and under stringent manufacturing benchmarks. With a relatively lower degradation rate, our modules deliver optimum efficiency and more kWh (up to 60% or higher) of energy over a longer time span. These panels display greater mechanical strength and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

These modules have been installed in various power plants, rooftop systems, pumping systems, lighting systems, etc across the globe and have exceeded the performance expectations always.

The bottom line

This procedure of picking the best solar panel can be daunting for investors with the vast number of panel choices. In order to decide the perfect combination of panel size, performance and production, it takes extensive range of experience to ensure panels are top-notch and are backed with 25-year warranties.

At Novergy, all your concerns will be addressed by us as we make sure our investors reap maximum rewards from their solar investments. Our solar solutions can cater to all the goals of investors, to explore our entire range of products visit Novergy now!

The company is the world’s best bipv structure supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.