The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking input on how building-integrated photovoltaic systems can provide opportunities to improve material and supply chain efficiency and reduce system costs.
According to a March 7 news release, DOE's Solar Energy Technologies Office and Building Technologies Office partnered to issue a request for information from stakeholders related to building-integrated photovoltaic technologies and markets.
"There is so much untapped potential to make solar energy more ubiquitous in our communities and create high-performing, energy-efficient buildings,” Kelly Speakes-Backman principal deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy said. “Innovative strategies that use building-integrated photovoltaics can improve solar integration, enable new designs and uses and support our decarbonization goals.”
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the building-integrated photovoltaic system offers alternatives to roof-mounted solar technology systems including directly integrating solar modules into the roof itself or the building’s facade. Integrating solar generation into buildings in such a manner could improve material and supply chain efficiency as well as lower system costs.
Adoption of building-integrated photovoltaic products has reportedly been slower than anticipated, even though the products have been available for more than a decade.
The deadline to submit responses and input is 5 p.m. ET April 1.
