The primary focus of the Task was the integration of PV into the architectural design of buildings (roofs and façades) and other structures in the built environment, such as noise barriers, parking areas and railway canopies. In addition to integration issues, Task 7 also addressed market factors, of both technical and non-technical kind.
The objective is to enhance the architectural quality, the technical quality and the economic viability of PV systems in the built environment and to assess and remove non-technical barriers for their introduction as an energy-significant option. Task 7 started in 1997 and was concluded in December 2001.
It was expected that successful integration of PV systems into the built environment would contribute significantly to the future spread of PV in general. Active involvement of urban planners, architects and building engineers is required. Task 7 motivated the collaboration between these groups and PV system specialists, utility specialists, and PV building industry and other professionals involved in photovoltaics.
A database of existing PV projects, case studies, architectural books and design tools
Building integrated, non-building structures, guidelines and safety issues, PV thermal systems, new electrical concepts, reliability and maintenance, interconnection issues and electrical design issues.
Non-technical barriers, potential, economic issues, marketing and publicity strategies.
Demosite platform, conferences, design competition, dissemination strategies, education and training.
