BIPV Systems: Understanding Building Integrated Technology
Glossary of Solar Energy Terms
know your building integrated photovoltaics!
CONC - A subtype of BIPV solar energy called "Concentrating photovoltaics"
CSC - Colored solar cells often used in BIPV to match a building's original facade
DIST - Distributed photovoltaics, which is a common way to build these solar energy systems, spacing things out for maximal effect
GC - Grid-connected, or on-grid photovoltaics - solar energy for the home that can sell power back to the utilities
GM - Ground-mounted solar systems - actually usually stand in contrast to building integrated systems
FI - Facade-integrated photovoltaic solar energy systems are a specific subset of BIPV systems
FLEX - Flexible some solar cells are solar tiles and panels that are often used because of the ease of working them into a building's structure.
RI - Roof-integrated solar energy systems are another subset of building integrated systems
RM - Roof-mounted photovoltaic systems stand in contrast to roof integrated solar energy systems (these systems actually are located above the conventional roof, not instead of it.
These are just examples of the terms used in BIPV systems, and may come in handy as you look for a contractor who provides building integrated photovoltaics or any kind of solar energy for your home or business.
