PV in buildings - The influence of PV on the design and planning process of a building

The incorporation of photovoltaic modules in the structure of a building is becoming popular. Advances in PV-technology allow today to use PV-modules in addition to an electricity production for several other purposes on a building, like for example as a roof-light, a wall-cladding or a window-pane. To achieve the goal, that a PV-System is becoming on all levels of construction and design an integral part of an overall concept of a building a close collaboration among all the people, being involved in the design process of a building, is necessary. Such a collaboration is still missing. Therefor this paper describes the reasons for this present situation and gives a perspective of changes in the design and building process, which are necessary to be able to realise successfully Building Integrated-PV-Systems.