Task 7

Photovoltaic power systems in the built environment

The objective is to enhance the architectural quality, the technical quality and the economic viability of PV systems in the built environment and to assess and remove non-technical barriers for their introduction as an energy-significant option. Task 7, started in 1997 and was concluded in December 2001.

It is expected that successful integration of PV systems into the built environment will contribute significantly to the future spread of PV in general. Active involvement of urban planners, architects and building engineers is required. Task 7 motivated the collaboration between these groups and PV system specialists, utility specialists, and PV building industry and other professionals involved in photovoltaics.

The primary focus of the Task was on the integration of PV into the architectural design of buildings (roofs and façades) and other structures in the built environment, such as noise barriers, parking areas and railway canopies. In addition to integration issues, Task 7 also addressed market factors, of both technical and non-technical kind.

The Task deliverables are associated in four categories (with their activities):

Architectural Design

A database of existing PV projects, case studies, archtectural book, design tools

Systems Technologies

Building integrated, non building structures, guidelines and safety issues, PV thermal systems, new electrical concepts, reliability and maintanance, interconnection issues, electrical design issues

Non-technical Barriers

Non-technical barriers, potential, economic issues, marketing and publicity strategies

Demonstration and Dissemination

Demosite, conferences, design competition, dissemination strategies, education and training

 

 

Task 7 status reports can be found in the annual reports of the IEA  PVPS Programme.

The publications of Task 7 are in Archive.

For information contact the former Operating Agent of Task 7.

Task 7 specific web sites: