Potential Obstacles - Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Potential Obstacles

The Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) portion of the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay classroom building construction project was met with several potential obstacles and a steep learning curve for key stakeholders, architects, design engineers, and contractors. While the classroom building's stakeholders were very receptive to the cutting-edge technology, educational benefits and modest cost savings, they did have minor reservations about the functionality and cost involved with it. The fact that their utility, Wisconsin Public Service, backed the technology and that the technology would provide a weather-sealing function regardless of its energy-producing capabilities, proved important.

Funding became a minor issue due to the interest Public Service had in testing the technology. State of Wisconsin buildings are required to install energy-saving devices that have a five-year payback or less. If a BIPV system could have been designed to meet this requirement, the State of Wisconsin would have included the costs under their scope of work for the building. Since the cost of the technology did not meet this requirement, however, the money needed to be raised from other sources. Public Service provided about 60% of the cost associated with the BIPV portion of the construction project. Remaining funding was generated through grant money from the State of Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program and the Energy Center of Wisconsin's WisconSUN program.

Wisconsin's low electric prices may deter builders from using BIPV technology; however, the lessons learned can be used by creative developers and clients desiring green construction and innovative designs while the technology continues to decline in price.

The building's design engineers and contractors were equally as receptive to the use of BIPV technology on the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay construction project; however, for the most part, they had very little knowledge about specifics of the technology. Public Service provided examples, drawing designs, and consultation to assist them in overcoming this learning curve. BIPV training sessions should also prove invaluable in helping those who may need assistance installing this type of new technology.