Building Integrated PV systems. An installers perspective

Transcription

1 Building Integrated PV systems An installers perspective

2 Martin Cotterell MCS PV & roofing working groups IEC -TC82 WG3 (co-convenor) Photovoltaics in Buildings - Guide to the installation PV systems Sundog Energy EPC contractor and distributor Installing PV systems across the UK since 1995 Sundogs (or parhelia) are brilliant spots of light sometimes seen around a solar halo

3 Sundog Energy current live projects Kings Cross Station Client Kier / Network Rail Project size 240kWp / 1.3M Technology Bespoke PV glazing Ferrier Point Client Rydon / Newham Council Project size 50kWp / 200K Technology PV facade

4 Standard PV module Modules Advantages for installer known quantity A stock item Wide industry experience Good selection of manufacturers Robust to transport and handle Mounting options for almost any application Enables standardised procedures & designs Simple inverter matching Advantages for client Cost effective Wide selection of suppliers & installers

5 Client PV >> module So why choose BIPV? Aesthetics the main driver But also May simplify build plan May simplify planning (aesthetics again) Issues over weather-tightness guarantees? loading / structural benefits? NB Prior to the FIT, percentage grant funding made the difference in cost between standard module and BIPV systems less significant

6 Installer PV module >> Why be a BIPV installer? Prior to the FIT BIPV much larger share of market to ignore BIPV meant ignoring significant market segment Offers differentiation & market specialisation Demonstrates specialist skills & expertise However BIPV particularly BBIPV requires significantly wider experience, knowledge and skills base

7 BIPV / BBIPV Installer PV module Extra skills required - Design & specification: Ability to work beyond kit approach Ability to work outside inverter manufacturer's standard software (array matching) tools Better ability to understand wind and other structural loading issues Ability to assess thermal effects (cell temperatures, ventilation, condensation etc) Wider knowledge of building design (structural glazing, facades / rain-screens Wider product knowledge required

8 BIPV / BBIPV Installer PV module Extra skills required - Installation: Wider roofing skills? Glass / laminate handling requires typically different skills, training and tickets. PV façade / rain-screen experience required? Glazing experience required? Cabling systems often different from standard module installations Commissioning issues (array shaded by access arrangements?)

9 BIPV / BBIPV Installer PV module Extra risks to embrace Often more time critical - build plan greater impact on Often bespoke items less supplier choice and much more threat from supplier delays Easier to break and then slower to replace Cables / J-boxes more vulnerable? BBIPV not a stock item Take on wider responsibility over building design (weather-tightness etc) Replacing modules significantly more complex

10 Case study #1 Blackpool Solarium PV module Project type Renovation Size 17kWp PV array glass-glass (DG) Client Blackpool Borough Council Installation -2003

11 Case study #1 Blackpool Solarium PV module Design challenges Cell spacing optimised for balance of daylight and shading Clear glass areas required to avoid highly shaded zones Relatively low pitch requires cleaning regime due to salt spray Concealing cables Installation issues Glass breakages (site storage) Cable detachment subsequent to install (by other trade)

12 Case study #2 Ferrier Point PV module Project type Renovation Size 50kWp PV array Romag modules Client Newham Council Installation -2010

13 Case study #2 Ferrier point PV module Design challenges Wind loads Interface with mounting system Speed of installation Interface with rest of cladding Concealing cables Installation issues Interface with cladding contractor Mast climber attachment at module locations challenges test & commissioning phase

14 Case study #3 London Transport Museum PV module Project type Renovation Size 51.5kWp PV array Redland PV tiles (+ standard modules) Client Transport Museum Installation -2006

15 Case study #3 London Transport Museum PV module Design challenges Grade 2 listed Non optimal orientations Complex shading >> impact on string design and deployment Concealing cables Installation issues Deliveries to Covent Garden

16 Kings Cross station Design challenges Grade 1 listed Multiple shading sources Different aspects and orientations Cable routing Inverter location Victorian structure varying bay widths (& bomb damage zones!) Blast resistance Access for maintenance Integration in station supplies Artists impression Installation challenges Access arrangements Deliveries & site distribution Scheduling works Working station

17 MCS (up to 50kWp). But client must evaluate if experience relevant

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