Construction considerations for BIPV Facade system projects

With the continuous development of green building concepts and the popularization of renewable energy technologies, Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) systems have gradually become an important part of modern architectural design. Especially BIPV Facade Systems, which perfectly integrate photovoltaic power generation with the building facade, not only meet architectural aesthetic requirements but also achieve energy self-sufficiency and reduce building energy consumption. However, the construction of BIPV Facade Systems involves multiple aspects, including photovoltaics, electrical systems, structure, and waterproofing. Improper operation may not only affect the system's power generation efficiency but also pose safety hazards. Therefore, professional specifications and construction precautions must be strictly followed during the construction of BIPV Facade System projects.

1. Preparatory Work Before Construction

Design Drawing Review and Construction Plan Development

Before construction, the design drawings of the BIPV Facade System must be thoroughly reviewed to ensure that the curtain wall support structure, photovoltaic module layout, electrical wiring, and waterproofing scheme meet design standards. The construction unit needs to develop a scientific and feasible construction plan based on the actual building conditions, clearly defining the process flow, material list, and safety measures for each construction stage.

Material Inspection and Acceptance

BIPV modules, curtain wall framing, fasteners, and waterproofing materials must all be inspected according to design specifications, checking appearance, dimensions, electrical performance, and packaging integrity. The surface of the photovoltaic modules should be free of obvious scratches, damage, or defects to avoid affecting power generation efficiency during subsequent construction.

Construction Personnel Training

Since the BIPV Facade System involves photovoltaic modules, electrical wiring, and curtain wall installation, construction personnel must receive professional training, including module installation specifications, wiring safety, waterproofing construction, and fire safety, to ensure scientific and standardized construction operations.

2. Construction Site Management

Construction Environment Control

During the construction of the BIPV Facade System, rainy or windy conditions should be avoided as much as possible. Construction in rainy weather may damage the waterproofing layer, affecting the building's waterproofing performance; in strong winds, there are safety risks associated with the installation of the curtain wall and photovoltaic modules. A safety protection zone should be established at the construction site, with regulated personnel access and necessary safety protection equipment.

Construction Equipment and Tool Management

The installation of the BIPV Facade System requires the use of professional hoisting equipment and tools, including lifting platforms, module bracket fastening tools, and electrical testing instruments. Before construction, equipment must be inspected and calibrated to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Construction Schedule Coordination: BIPV Facade System construction is typically carried out concurrently with the main building structure, curtain wall construction, and electromechanical installation. The construction unit must coordinate the construction sequence with relevant professional teams, reasonably arrange the construction period, and avoid damage to photovoltaic modules or waterproof layers due to incorrect construction sequence.

3. Photovoltaic Module Installation Precautions

Module Positioning and Fixing: During photovoltaic module installation, positioning should strictly follow the design drawings, maintaining horizontal and vertical accuracy, and ensuring uniform module spacing. Do not forcefully strike or press the module surface during installation to avoid damaging the glass layer or internal solar cells. Fixtures must be secure and reliable, while avoiding stress concentration to prevent module cracking under wind pressure or temperature differences.

Module Electrical Connections: The electrical wiring of the BIPV Facade System must comply with national electrical installation standards. Series and parallel circuit designs should be reasonable, junction boxes should be securely installed, and terminals should be reliable to prevent poor contact or short circuits. During construction, direct contact between wiring and metal supports should be avoided to prevent corrosion or leakage risks.

Module Cleaning and Inspection

Before installation, clean the surface of the photovoltaic modules to ensure they are free of dust, oil, or packaging residue. After installation, conduct a preliminary inspection of the module's appearance, voltage, and current to ensure it is functioning properly.

4. Waterproofing and Sealing Construction

Curtain Wall Waterproofing Layer Construction The BIPV Facade System is tightly integrated with the building's curtain wall, making waterproofing a crucial step. The waterproofing layer should be continuous and intact, without cracks, bubbles, or leaks. High-quality sealant should be used to seal joints to ensure long-term waterproofing performance.

Module and Curtain Wall Interface Treatment The interface between the photovoltaic modules and the curtain wall support structure must be properly sealed to prevent rainwater from seeping into the structure. Avoid directly embedding the modules into the sealant during construction to prevent expansion and deformation that could cause seal failure.

5. Construction Quality Inspection and Acceptance

Module Power Generation Performance Testing After installation, perform electrical testing on each photovoltaic module, including open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and power output, to ensure that power generation performance meets design requirements.

Structure and Fastener Inspection Inspect all supporting structures, bolts, fasteners, and connectors to ensure they are secure and reliable, preventing modules from falling off or tilting due to loosening. Waterproofing Test: Conduct a water seepage test on the curtain wall waterproofing layer to confirm there are no leakage issues. If necessary, simulated rainfall using a spray system can be used for comprehensive acceptance.

Overall System Commissioning: After construction is completed, conduct overall system commissioning, including photovoltaic inverter connection, electrical protection device commissioning, and monitoring system testing, to ensure the BIPV Facade System generates electricity safely and stably.

6. Safety and Environmental Protection Precautions

Construction Safety Management: High-altitude operations, hoisting operations, and electrical work are key safety aspects of BIPV Facade System construction. The construction unit should provide safety belts, safety ropes, and protective nets, and conduct regular safety inspections. Electrical work should be performed with the power supply disconnected and by a qualified electrician to prevent the risk of electric shock.

Environmental Protection and Waste Disposal: Photovoltaic module packaging materials, residual waterproofing materials, and construction waste should be collected separately and disposed of according to environmental protection regulations to avoid environmental pollution. At the same time, dust and noise generated during construction should be controlled as much as possible to reduce the impact on the surrounding environment.

7. Summary of Construction Management Experience

The construction of the BIPV Facade System project involves multiple disciplines, including photovoltaics, electrical engineering, structure, and waterproofing. Practical experience shows that strict construction standards, scientific management, and meticulous operation are key to ensuring project quality. Specific experiences include:

Clear division of responsibilities: The design, construction, and supervision parties should clearly define their responsibilities and authority to ensure that someone is responsible for each stage.

Full construction record: Installation photos, test data, waterproofing records, etc., should be meticulously archived to provide a basis for acceptance and subsequent maintenance.

Attention to construction details: Details such as photovoltaic module gaps, bracket fixing, sealing treatment, and waterproofing joints directly affect system performance and should be given special attention.

Strengthening training and supervision: Construction personnel must undergo professional training, and supervisors should be stationed on-site to ensure that operations comply with specifications.

8. Conclusion

BIPV Facade Systems, as an important technology for modern building energy conservation and green energy, achieve the organic integration of buildings and energy. However, the system construction process is complex, and any negligence may affect the building's aesthetics, waterproofing performance, and power generation efficiency. Therefore, from pre-construction preparation and material acceptance to installation, waterproofing, electrical commissioning, and final acceptance, every stage is crucial. Only through rigorous construction management, scientific operation, and professional training can the successful completion of BIPV Facade System projects be ensured, maximizing their architectural and energy value.

As a professional BIPV Facade System provider, FGNEX SOLAR is committed to providing one-stop services for building projects, from design and material supply to construction and installation training. With extensive industry experience and a strict construction management system, FGNEX SOLAR not only ensures the precise and safe installation of photovoltaic curtain wall systems for each project but also effectively improves building energy efficiency and aesthetics, providing a reliable guarantee for the development of green buildings.

www.fgnexsolar.com
fgnexsolar

About Author

admin

See author's posts