Building Integrated Photovoltaic, BIPV, System: Design and Simulation for an Educational Building

Abstract

Building-integrated Photo voltaic (BIPV) is the installation of PV arrays that are integrated into building envelopes and can generate electricity on their own. Saudi Arabia with its average daily solar radiation is well-positioned to make use of this BIPV technology to fulfill its goal of achieving green growth and expanding electric power generation. By producing power close to the point of use, this technology will ensure the continuous supply of energy and will reduce the country’s current transmission and distribution losses. This study proposed a grid-tied BIPV solar system to accommodate part of the electricity demands of the Admission and Registration building (AR) at Effat University in Jeddah. Detailed design, simulation, economic analysis, and the saved emission of CO2 are conducted using the PVsyst software. The results showed the optimal design in terms of the generated amount of energy could accommodate about 65% of the AR’s needs while the classic attached PV can provide the AR building with only 51% of its needs.