Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in building performance research - a systematic literature review

A systematic search was conducted in Web of Science and Scopus databases to retrieve research on BIPV building performance published in the last 15 years and identify recent advances and trends. The reviewed papers were classified into themes based on two dimensions: 1) building element application of BIPV and 2) broad objectives. Six themes were identified based on building element application of BIPV: 'roof', 'shading device', 'window', 'double-skin façade', 'façade wall' and 'others'. Four themes based on broad objectives were identified: 'building energy', 'simulation methodology and design optimisation', 'thermal comfort', and 'visual comfort'. Based on such classification, the various methodological approaches were discussed. Limitations and shortcomings of the current research and design approaches were also discussed. This paper offers insights into the existing research and emerging trends and a consolidated analysis of the different research methodologies in BIPV building performance research. The outcomes from the examined study revealed that BIPV can improve visual and thermal comfort, reduce building energy consumption, and generate energy provided the design is optimised correctly.