PVPS Task 7 has published a report highlighting opportunities and pitfalls and presenting design guidelines for PV integration into non-building structures

The potential for using PV in Non-Building Structures in the built environment is large, even in a modern society where the electricity network is well developed. Photovoltaic modules can be incorporated in structures such as bus shelters, information signs, street lights and sound barriers. For applications with a low power requirement PV can be suitable as a commercial alternative to grid connection, avoiding the need to dig up roads or pavements to lay cables.

Such niche applications can provide economic as well as aesthetic benefits. PV also has a unique versatility, as it lends itself equally well to highly visible applications, yet can just as readily be adapted to discrete applications for instance in visually sensitive environments.

Designers of PV systems integrated into non-building structures need to consider a range of criteria such as irradiation, shading, orientation, visual impact, available surface and other technical requirements. Past experience has also shown that theft and vandalism can be a problem for these systems. This report summarizes essential considerations and highlights typical problems faced by system designers. It also presents some design strategies to facilitate the successful use of PV in Non-Building Structures. A number of case studies are included. These illustrate the versatility of PV in the urban environment.

• Click here to go to information about the report PV in Non Building Structures.
  
• Click here (right mouse button) to download the report (3,232 MB).

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