Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Systems - for Wisconsin's Schools
PV on Schools
Including PV Systems at School Buildings
Building-integrated PV (BIPV)
Retrofitted PV Systems
Why PV?
PV System Incentives
Example - The Waunakee Community High School's PV System
Including PV Systems in School
Buildings
PV systems are typically connected to the utility's electric grid. There
is no need to supply all of the school's energy demand with PV power.
Today the primary objective of the PV system is not to generate energy
but to educate students.
At some sites PV systems are combined with batteries to operate independently of the grid. For example, a school in Massachusetts is using a PV system supported by batteries for the school's parking lot lights.
Building-integrated PV (BIPV)
PV systems can easily be located on building rooftops, or installed as
part of the building's shell. True building integrated PV (BIPV) systems
are incorporated into a building at its design stage. Such BIPV systems
have the lowest first cost because they replace other sometimes costly
building materials (roofing materials, atriums, facades) they require
no additional support structures, and additional construction expenses
are limited. Also, the cost of these systems can be financed as part of
the entire building.
Photo 2. Building rooftop with integrated solar water heating panels, Austria
Building-integrated PV modules can be quite attractive, adding to the building's aesthetics. Several BIPV system are shown in these photographs -- each of the systems would be suitable for new school buildings
Photo 3. Building with PV standing seam roofing, Colorado, USA
Photo 4. Building with PV covered window shade screens, the Netherlands. Such shade screens would also help reduce summer heat in schools, while letting the sun in during winter.
Photo 5. PV integrated window, Germany.
Photo 6. PV Atrium at a railway station, Germany.
Photo 7. PV atrium workspace, the Netherlands.
Photo credits
Photo 2 Arbeitsgemeinschaft Erneuerbare Energie
(society for renewable energy), Austria
Photo 3 NREL/PIX. Photographer Tim Ellison
Photo 4 Ecofys Energy and Environment, Netherlands
Photo 5 Solar Design Associates, USA
Photo 6 Atlantis Energy, Switzerland
Photo 7 Bear Architects, Netherlands
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