Detail Practice: Photovoltaics

Introduction Generating and using solar electricity 11 The sun as a source of energy 14 Solar cells - turning light into electricity 19 Modules 22 Efficiency 25 Photovoltaic systems 26 System technology 29 Yields and economics 32 Ecology Designing with photovoltaics 35 Features of crystalline photovoltaics 36 Differences between traditional and PV materials and products 39 Photovoltaics and its relationship with the building 40 Design strategies 41 Design options 46 Transparency, Design potential Construction and integration 50 Designing with photovoltaics 52 Fixing 55 Roof installations 62 Facade installations 66 Sunshade installations Technical rules and building legislation 71 Type approval of PV modules - Electrical installation and safety 72 An overview of building legislation 73 Building products and forms of construction 76 Non-regulated building products and forms of construction 77 Experimental testing 79 Fire protection Photovoltaics case studies 82 Federal Environment Agency offices in Dessau 84 Institute premises in Beijing 87 Local government offices in Ludesch 90 Paul Horn Arena in Tübingen 92 Sports hall in Burgweinting 94 Mixed commercial and residential building in Munich 97 Additional residential storeys and new office building in Darmstadt 100 Private house in Hegenlohe Appendix 103 Glossary 106 Standards, directives, statutory instruments and recommendations (selection) 107 Bibliography 108 Manufacturers, companies and trade associations (selection) 109 Index 111 Picture credits.