The researchers of the Solar Heating and Cooling Programme (SHC) of the International Energy Agency (IEA) have created an online gallery for building-integrated solar products. It contains photos and technical descriptions of 30 innovative solutions for the solar building envelope.
For each one, the researchers have also prepared a so-called SWOT analysis, i.e. an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. „We worked out the SWOT matrix for each product or prototype in close cooperation with the technology providers or developers,“ describes Roberto Fedrizzi, coordinator of the international research platform Building Integrated Solar Envelope Systems within IEA SHC. „SWOT is a method with the aim of raising awareness of opportunities as well as critical aspects that can affect the market success of a product“.
Speeding up the construction process
The portfolio includes not only solar modules for building integration, but also solar air heating systems, water-operated solar thermal collectors, motor-driven shading solutions and electrochromic window panes. „The online product gallery shows prefabricated, multifunctional solutions that integrate space heating, cooling and ventilation into the building envelope as much as possible, thus speeding up the construction process,“ explains Fedrizzi.
New solutions and materials
It is not only about new ways to energetically activate the building envelope, but also about showing new materials for existing possibilities. This should also drive product innovations. Although the focus of the gallery is on the mass market, it is also a forum for the presentation of new materials. However, some custom-made products and prototypes will also be presented.
You can find the free gallery on the IEA SHC website. Further solutions for the integration of photovoltaics into the building envelope can be found in the Solar Age product database, which you can use free of charge after you have registered as a club member. (su/mfo)
