Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Innovations in Sustainable Architectural Design

Dear Colleagues,

As the global demand for sustainable and renewable energy solutions escalates, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) have emerged as an innovative approach to achieving energy-efficient, sustainable architecture. BIPV systems seamlessly incorporate photovoltaic modules into building envelopes, replacing traditional building materials such as roofs, façades, windows, and skylights. This integration not only contributes to energy production but also enhances the esthetic appeal, structural functionality, and environmental performance of buildings. Despite significant technological advancements, challenges related to system efficiency, esthetic integration, cost-effectiveness, and building standards compliance remain prevalent. Therefore, continued research in optimizing BIPV design and performance is critical in terms of promoting their widespread adoption and integration into contemporary architectural practice.

This Special Issue aims to gather original research articles and comprehensive reviews highlighting recent advances, innovative technologies, practical implementations, and future trends in the field of building-integrated photovoltaics. Given the interdisciplinary nature of BIPV, contributions from architecture, engineering, materials science, and environmental sciences are strongly encouraged. This Special Issue is aligned with the journal’s scope as it addresses key architectural challenges related to sustainability, energy efficiency, technological innovation, and building performance. This Special Issue will mainly cover the following areas of focus:

• Innovative BIPV materials and technologies;
• Architectural integration and esthetic considerations for BIPV;
• Energy performance evaluation and simulation methodologies;
• Thermal management and performance optimization in BIPV;
• Life cycle analysis for and the environmental impact of BIPV systems;
• Economic feasibility and cost–benefit analyses;
• Advances in transparent and semi-transparent photovoltaic technologies;
• Case studies and practical applications of BIPV;
• Standards, regulations, and compliance issues for BIPV integration;
• Smart integration and digital technologies enhancing BIPV performance;
• Building performance monitoring and real-world BIPV applications.

Dr. Qiuhua Duan
Guest Editor

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