Ever since the turn of the twentieth century, the Earth’s temperature dramatically soared off its normal level. Beginning with the advent of modern technology using petrol fuel as a main source of energy, the human carbon footprint became humongous.

As a result, we have engineered our own weapon of destruction towards the Earth called ‘Global Warming’. This is a phenomenon where the temperature of the Earth rises and causes changes in climate, landscapes and ecological abnormalities; not to mention mood swings of the majority of the human race.

The puzzling problem today is to reduce carbon emission. The biggest energy supply we receive today comes from combustion of petrol fuel in vehicles and electric generators. To mitigate the increase of world oil price, we have to look for alternative energy sources which are stable in price and technology, reliable and proven to be environmental friendly.

One of the many ways that abide the vision is Building Integrated Photovoltaic System (BIPV). BIPV is a technology which supplements the electrical energy supplied by local energy generators to buildings and permanent structures. Generally, the system complements and offsets the electrical supply by generating its own energy from the Sun straight into the network grid and into the building.

By providing a building with another source of free energy, the system can benefit in reducing electricity bills and reducing carbon emission.

A Building Integrated Photovoltaic system consists of just 4 main elements:
1) Solar panels
2) Panel mounting system
3) Suitable wiring
4) A grid connect inverter

The beauty of a BIPV system is its simplicity:

• The solar panels when exposed to sunlight generate DC electricity

The DC charge goes through a special BIPV inverter that converts it to a voltage suitable for use by household appliances in whatever country you are in.

• Any excess electricity is then fed back into the mains grid. The meter will spin backwards!

Building Integrated Photovoltaic System

During a blackout, it will be the same as being without a BIPV – no power, as the inverter will shut down to avoid damage to appliances in your home and to prevent electricity back feeding into a grid. To get around the loss of power, we can have a battery backup, but this will add a fair bit extra to the cost and really is not necessary if our existing power supply is fairly reliable.

In order to get the maximum benefit for our money from a BIPV system, in the southern hemisphere we will need a north facing roof with adequate shade-free space and vice versa in the northern hemisphere. In both scenarios, it is good to have a decent angle on the roof for the purposes of keeping the panels clean and obtained the most from sunlight, but this can be achieved by using angle mounts.

Installation will require a suitably qualified solar installer to set up the system since there are high voltages involved that may cause harm to the household and other people if not installed properly.