Barriers to the market penetration of facade-integrated solar thermal systems

For this paper, we analyzed the barriers to new facade-integrated solar thermal systems in a survey, literature review and workshops with experts. We focused on flat plate collectors and their application in residential buildings. Integrated systems are technically more challenging than simple roof installations, and we found a lack of knowledge among all participants in the market to be the second most important problem after economic issues. Especially for architects it is very difficult to use solar technologies as a part of their palette due to insufficient education. Especially for facade solutions a stronger awareness of solar technology is required for the selling process. The synergy advantages offered by integrating solar thermal systems into facades are largely unknown by the participants of the market. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.