BIPV FAQ
General Questions / About BIPV FAQ
Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is a technology that seamlessly integrates solar power generation capabilities into the building envelope itself. Unlike conventional methods that involve mounting separate solar panels onto an existing roof, BIPV products function as actual building materials. For example, our photovoltaic tiles directly replace traditional roof tiles, and our photovoltaic curtain walls replace conventional glass facades.
The fundamental differences are:
Functionality: BIPV serves a dual purpose—it acts as a protective outer layer for the building (like a roof or wall) while also functioning as a power generation unit. Conventional solar panels only generate power.
Aesthetics: BIPV integrates flawlessly with the architectural design, offering an elegant appearance that can enhance a building’s visual appeal. Conventional panels are often seen as “add-ons” that can disrupt the original design.
Cost Structure: While the initial investment for BIPV may be higher, it offsets the cost of the conventional building materials it replaces (e.g., tiles, glass facades). This saving should be factored into the total project cost.
Choosing the BIPVSYSTEM BIPV solution provides what we call “one investment, four returns”:
Save on Electricity Bills: By generating and using your own power, you can significantly reduce high electricity costs. In Singapore, for instance, the tariff can be as high as 0.30 SGD/kWh.
Generate Income: In regions with Feed-in Tariff (FiT) schemes, such as Hong Kong and Taiwan, you can sell surplus electricity back to the grid to create a stable source of passive income.
Save on Building Material Costs: Our BIPV products directly replace conventional materials you would need to purchase anyway, such as roof tiles or curtain wall glass, offsetting a portion of the initial investment.
Increase Asset Value: Green, energy-efficient, and aesthetically advanced buildings command a higher premium and are more attractive in the future rental and sales markets.
Products & Technology BIPV FAQ
Yes, a high degree of customization is one of our core strengths. Our products can be flexibly adapted to meet your specific architectural design requirements.
Color: We offer a wide range of colors and can provide custom options based on color charts to perfectly match your building’s aesthetic.
Size & Shape: Product dimensions can be tailored to align with architectural modules. We can even produce special shapes like curved tiles to suit heritage or uniquely styled buildings.
Translucency: The light transmittance of our photovoltaic curtain walls and thin-film glass can be customized from 0% to 92%, making them ideal for skylights, atriums, and sunrooms.
Texture: Our BIPV curtain wall series can even achieve various facade effects, such as imitation stone, for a highly realistic visual experience.
our core products utilize advanced N-type monocrystalline silicon cells, which offer three significant advantages over traditional P-type (PERC) cells :
Superior Low-Light Performance: N-type cells generate electricity more efficiently in low-light conditions, such as during early mornings, late afternoons, and on overcast days, increasing the total energy yield throughout the day.
Lower Temperature Coefficient: In hot climates like those found across Southeast Asia, high temperatures can reduce a panel’s power output. N-type cells have a lower temperature coefficient (-0.26%/℃), which means less power loss in high-temperature environments and more stable energy production.
Extremely Low Light-Induced Degradation (LID): N-type cells have virtually no LID, ensuring that the module’s power output remains stable and reliable over its long lifespan, providing you with greater long-term value.
Our products are designed and manufactured to meet stringent building material standards, ensuring exceptional durability and safety.
Wind Resistance: Our TerraSol Tile™ has passed tests for resistance to Category 12 typhoons, while our Architectural Wall™ can withstand Category 17 typhoons.
Fire Rating: All core products are CTC certified with a Class A fire rating. All materials used are non-combustible, ensuring the highest level of building safety.
Strength & Load Capacity: The TerraSol Tile™ is several times stronger than a conventional tile but weighs only half as much. The Architectural Wall™ has a front/back static load capacity of 5400/2400 Pa, far exceeding standard architectural requirements.
Cost & Investment BIPV FAQ
The initial cost of a BIPV system is typically higher than a conventional “roof + add-on solar panels” setup because it is a premium building material with integrated power generation. However, its overall value and long-term returns are also significantly greater.
Cost Composition: The total cost includes the BIPV products, system components like inverters, and fees for design and installation. Crucially, the cost savings from the conventional materials that BIPV replaces should be factored into the overall investment calculation.
Payback Period: The payback period varies depending on the region, local electricity tariffs, government incentives, and system size. Based on our project data, even without significant subsidies, the cost recovery period for many commercial and residential projects is approximately 5-7 years.
No, BIPV systems are very low-maintenance. As they form the exterior surface of the building, rainfall provides a natural cleaning effect. We recommend simple, periodic cleaning based on local environmental conditions (e.g., dust, bird droppings) to maintain optimal efficiency. Furthermore, our TerraSol Tile™ products are designed for easy, single-tile replacement, making any potential future maintenance incredibly convenient.
About Us & Warranty BIPV FAQ
We are BIPVSYSTEM, When you choose us, you are choosing “Industrial-Grade Reliability with Architectural-Grade Aesthetics.”
Leading Technology & Manufacturing: We hold 127 technology patents and operate the world’s first high-standard, fully automated BIPV production line, guaranteeing a product yield rate of over 99%.
Rigorous Quality Control: Every product undergoes up to 13 stringent inspection processes and has passed numerous international certifications, including TUV, CE, and CTC, ensuring world-class quality you can trust.
We provide an industry-leading warranty to give you complete peace of mind in your investment:
Product Materials & Workmanship Warranty: Our core products come with a 10-year warranty covering materials and craftsmanship.
Linear Power Guarantee: We offer a 30-year linear power guarantee, ensuring that after 30 years, our products will still maintain at least 88% of their original power output. This means your power-generating asset will have a stable, predictable, and long-lasting return.
Still have some questions?
Contact us and we’ll do our best to answer any additional questions you may have!