The BIPV system is made of large standard high efficiency PV modules, made of glass/EVA/PV cells/EVA/white PVF. The PV modules (SunPower E18-305W and E20-327W) form part of two photovoltaic installations: one of 27.2 kWp connected to the building’s local electric power grid, and another stand-alone of 4.8 kWp. They occupy a total surface area of about 172.9 m², replacing conventional construction elements on the upper areas of the east, south and west façades. They are back ventilated (not tight air chamber of about 100 mm). The east façade PV system is divided into three sub-systems to reduce losses due to partial shading caused by nearby trees. The PV modules are fixed to a galvanized steel support structure, in parallel to that of the rest of the façade.

The PV system was provided with the “zero injection” device that prevents PV energy from being dispatched to the electric power grid outside the building, in compliance with the Spanish legislation at the time of the renovation. The device monitors the electrical network and photovoltaic inverters at all times to modulate photovoltaic production in relation to electrical consumption in order not to send energy to the grid. (Javier Pérez, PV installer)