As the global building industry moves toward low-carbon development, crystalline silicon building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems, with their efficient power generation, structural reliability, and aesthetically pleasing design, have become a core technology driving the transformation of buildings from "energy consumers" to "energy producers." This article focuses on an innovative crystalline silicon BIPV system, analyzing how it achieves a deep integration of "power generation, building materials, and architecture" through structural innovation from four perspectives: product design, waterproof structure, installation process, and functional application. I. Product Design: Collaborative Optimization of Double-Glass Modules and Customized Frames
This crystalline silicon BIPV system utilizes a double-glass encapsulation structure, sandwiching monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon cells between two layers of tempered glass to form a high-strength, impact-resistant power generation unit. The double-glass design not only improves the module's light transmittance (adjustable from 10% to 80%) but also enhances light absorption by reducing light reflection, while also imparting a uniform texture and color to the building surface.
The innovative frame system is the core highlight of this product:
Customized Cross-Section Design: The frame adopts an asymmetrical cross-section structure, with fixed left and right frames, the upper frame serving as the base frame, and the lower frame as the cover frame. After installation, the cover frame of the upper module covers the base frame of the lower module, forming a stacked waterproof structure.
Gutter Integration: The left and right fixed frames are installed directly above the gutter, and pressure blocks secure the BIPV modules to the gutter, achieving a waterproof seal on both sides.
Secondary Waterproofing: The left and right gaps between the modules are sealed with waterproof covers, ensuring system reliability in extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain and snow.
Glue-free on-site installation is another breakthrough of this system. The modular frame and mechanical fixing method completely eliminate the traditional BIPV system's reliance on on-site glue application. This not only shortens the construction period but also eliminates the risk of leakage caused by glue aging, thereby improving the system's lifecycle stability.
II. Waterproof Structure: Weatherproofing with a Three-Level Protection System
Waterproofing performance is crucial to a BIPV system's ability to replace traditional building materials. This crystalline silicon BIPV system utilizes a three-level waterproofing design, creating a three-dimensional protective network:
Upper and Lower Module Waterproofing: The upper module cover frame and the lower module bottom frame form a physical barrier, directing rainwater along the inclined surface of the cover frame into the drainage gutter, preventing vertical infiltration.
Left and Right Mechanical Seal: The fixed frame and drainage gutter are tightly connected by pressure blocks, which, in conjunction with the waterproof cover plate, seal the gaps between the modules and block lateral rainwater intrusion.
Structural Self-Drainage: The drainage gutter features a steep slope (≥5%), combined with a hydrophobic coating on the module surface, ensuring that rainwater quickly drains away from the building surface, preventing water accumulation.
Theoretical Advantages:
Lifecycle Reliability: The mechanical fixing structure is unaffected by temperature fluctuations, eliminating traditional issues such as cracking and shedding of the colloid.
Easy Maintenance: Modules can be removed and replaced individually without damaging the overall waterproofing layer, reducing ongoing operation and maintenance costs.
Adaptability to Complex Environments: Laboratory testing has shown that the system can withstand torrential rainfall of up to 50 mm per hour and withstand wind loads of force 10.
III. Installation Process: Standardized Process and Precise Adaptation
The system's installation process is centered around "modularization + standardization," achieving efficient construction through the following steps:
Gutter Positioning: Pre-install the gutter and calibrate its levelness based on the building's roof slope and drainage direction.
Frame Assembly: Pre-assemble the customized frame and modules on the ground, minimizing the risk of working at height.
Mechanical Fixing: Secure the module-frame assembly to the gutter using pressure blocks, adjust the gap, and install the waterproof cover.
System Commissioning: Check the module's electrical connections and test its waterproof performance and power generation efficiency.
Theoretical Benefits:
Shortened Construction Time: The standardized process reduces installation time per square meter by 40% compared to traditional BIPV systems.
Lower Skill Requirements: No specialized caulking techniques are required; ordinary workers can complete the installation with training.
Improved Safety: The modular design reduces the complexity of working at height and mitigates construction risks.
IV. Functional Applications: From Rooftop Replacement to Energy Hub Upgrade
This crystalline silicon BIPV system can be widely used in residential buildings, industrial plants, commercial complexes, and carports, replacing traditional building materials such as color-coated steel and clay tiles, achieving dual uses:
Rooftop Replacement: In industrial plants, the system can directly replace metal roofs, providing waterproofing, insulation, and power generation.
Carport Integration: In parking lots, modular BIPV carports not only provide shade and shelter from the rain but also power electric vehicle charging stations.
Facade Power Generation: By adjusting the module's transmittance and color, the system can be applied to building curtain walls, generating electricity while optimizing interior lighting and visual quality.
System-Level Advantages:
Structural Safety: The combination of double-glass modules and a custom frame enables a system load capacity of 2.4 kN/m², meeting building load regulations.
Thermal Performance: The ventilation gaps between modules can reduce summer roof temperatures by 5-8°C and air conditioning energy consumption by 15%-20%.
Energy Management: The accompanying intelligent monitoring platform provides real-time monitoring of power generation efficiency, structural status, and environmental parameters, supporting coordinated control with the power grid and energy storage systems.
V. Future Outlook: Crystalline Silicon BIPV: Building Materialization and Intelligence
With the deep integration of materials science and architectural design, crystalline silicon BIPV systems are evolving from "photovoltaic add-on" to "building-integrated":
Building Materialization: By developing lighter and thinner crystalline silicon cells (such as heterojunction + lamella technology), system weight is reduced, making them compatible with a wider range of building types.
Intelligence: Integrating IoT sensors enables BIPV systems to have self-diagnostic and self-optimization capabilities, such as automatically adjusting light transmittance based on light intensity.
Standardization: Promoting unified industry standards, addressing compatibility issues between BIPV systems and building structures, and accelerating market adoption.
Crystalline Silicon BIPV - Reshaping the Relationship Between Architecture and Energy
Through structural innovation and functional integration, this crystalline silicon BIPV system demonstrates that photovoltaic technology can be seamlessly integrated into buildings, rather than simply added on. Its breakthroughs in waterproof design, installation techniques, and application scenarios not only address the pain points of traditional BIPV systems but also redefine the value of buildings—transforming them from static spatial containers to dynamic energy producers. When every building becomes a miniature power station, humanity will be one step closer to the goal of a zero-carbon society. Crystalline silicon BIPV is the cornerstone of this transformation.
