Building-Integrated Photovoltaics in Complex Climates
by Benjamin Yerick, Architecture Student and Intern at DMA
Tesla roof tiles being installed by Weddle & Sons on a DMA project roof.
For the last several decades, scientists and researchers have pursued a future that no longer depends on non-renewable energy sources; coal, natural gas, and oil have been our primary sources of energy for decades, but due to the damaging effects it has on our ecosystem and health, the demand for clean energy continues to grow. Renewable energy has been a growing topic and in the last few decades sustainable technology has developed rapidly. From inefficient systems not reliable enough to replace current energy sources to a form of technology that could now be a potential replacement that is environmentally friendly and reduces the harmful effects from other energy sources. The development of this technology has sparked conversations of a net-zero/net-positive future; transitioning from a hypothetical concept to a potential reality for individuals, communities, and even countries aspiring to reduce their carbon footprint. Many companies have pursued technology with goals of clean energy, even the potential of permanent integration in our communities.
A common issue in mountainous regions like Jackson Hole, Wyoming is inconsistency; can this technology replace previous forms of energy consistently over time? The thought of renewable energy has been nothing but a hypothetical concept due to the environmental conditions of the area; the mountainous terrain, minimal solar gain, and an unpredictable climate throughout the year are a major concern. For many years, the answer was always up in the air and unknown; but as technology has improved over time, the more the concept becomes a reality. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) have become a more discussed idea to allow designers the ability to create architecture without the need to consider investing and installing bulky, visible systems that contribute to technology waste after the cells life cycle. Photovoltaics have developed into a thin film-like material that can be integrated into almost anything, from roof tiles to cladding and shading systems. Many individuals and companies have started investing in BIPV systems because of this. A well-known example has been Tesla; a company who advocates for cleaner alternatives for energy. Most commonly known for their electric cars, Tesla also works on alternative energy-focused research including BIPV systems. One of their most successful examples being their solar roofing system that has been installed in over 400,000 homes throughout the United States (Tesla). As of May 2022, Tesla’s 3rd generation solar roofing system has officially been introduced to Teton County and has raised the question; is this technology reliable enough to replace current energy forms in complex climates?
Hypothetically yes, there aren’t many examples of this system in areas with similar conditions but according to Weddle & Sons (2022), a certified roofing installer for Tesla out of Manhattan, Kansas and current contractor for the first installation in Teton County, this system can be reliable enough to consistently generate energy even without direct natural light on the integrated PV cells. It’s commonly thought that photovoltaics require direct solar gain, which is not necessarily true. For many years, this technology was not efficient enough to produce energy without direct solar gain. As PV technology has developed and become more efficient, it is now possible to convert indirect/ambient light into usable energy. Photovoltaics work through absorbing light photons created by radiation from the sun and converting them into volts in an electric current (NASA). Once absorbed, the generated voltage is sent as a direct current (DC) to an inverter and transformed into an alternating current (AC), which can then be applied as usable energy in a building. So as long light photons remain in the electromagnetic field created by the sun’s radiation, PV cells can convert them into usable energy at a slightly less consistent rate. Weddle & Sons explained that the integrated PV panels are strategically placed based on the slope and direction of the roof to capture as much solar gain as possible and maximize energy generation and reduce the amount of cells needed. This minimizes the waste created by photovoltaics and when the cell’s life cycle is complete, the removal and replacement of the panel is designed to prevent needing a completely new roof system like many traditional roofs do after 20-30 years.
Other forms of technology have only reinforced this as a potential permanent replacement; smart technology or SMART (self-monitoring, analysis, and reporting technology) monitors energy usage with an artificial intelligence that compares data generated over time to use energy in the most efficient way possible; reducing wasted energy and minimizing total energy usage without the need for manual adjustments. This also allows users to interact and learn about their energy usage, ultimately resulting in a better understanding of energy conservation. This technology can also be used with traditional energy sources, but the benefit of BIPV is clean energy. All energy has a form of waste, the difference between non-renewable and renewable is the impact that waste makes. Not all solar gain is successfully converted into usable energy, resulting in some of the energy being lost as waste though heat (thermal energy). Burning coal, gas, and oil release harmful pollutants that contribute to ecological issues and impact individuals on a daily basis. From air quality to available drinking water, the impact of non-renewable resources has caused many issues we face every day. The idea of net-zero and net-positive design is to minimize non-renewable energy and reduce its impact, not get rid of it entirely. A transition to a clean energy source reduces the need for oil, gas, and ore-based fuel sources that are finite and harmful.
A common concern for many individuals is cost, and rightfully so. Not everyone has the money to invest in systems like this and without significant examples that these systems can produce enough energy to support a building in this region, many people disregard the idea. Although this argument has its points, it’s important to understand how energy is used rather than total energy needed. As mentioned before, smart technology has helped minimize energy usage. The benefit of BIPV is that most systems use smart technology to reduce wasted energy and allows individuals to monitor and track their total usage and total energy generated. Tesla’s roofing system uses a user friendly app to monitor the total energy used by the individual and the amount their roof is generating. Not only does this conserve energy, it encourages users to become more aware of the energy they are using. This will increase people to make healthy changes to their lifestyle to lower their energy bill all while staying comfortable within their homes. According to Tesla, the system will essentially pay for itself. No matter how much energy the system produces, the total cost individuals pay for their energy each month will be significantly reduced. And as mentioned earlier, the longevity of the roof will ultimately remove the need for a total replacement in the future; panels can be removed and replaced with ease.
To conclude, solar energy is becoming more of a reality in diverse climates and with the growing concern for the ecological effects current energy sources have on the global climate, it is important for individuals to consider the type of energy they are using and become more aware of how they are using it. Building-integrated photovoltaics are vitally important when considering renewable energy; these systems increase awareness of energy consumption and promotes healthier lifestyles, reduces harmful pollutants caused by non-renewable energy sources, and prevents technology waste from non-integrated systems that contribute to tons of waste each year.
References
How do photovoltaics work? (n.d.). Retrieved from NASA
Tesla. (n.d.). Solar Roof. Retrieved from Tesla
Weddle, A. (2022, May 23). President of Weddle & Sons Roofing. (B. Yerich, Interviewer)
Tesla Powerwall