Navigating Fire Safety Standards in BIPV: Insights from IEA PVPS Task 15

The adoption of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is gaining momentum, yet it faces significant challenges, particularly in the realm of fire safety standards. IEA PVPS Task 15 has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges, publishing a comprehensive report on this critical topic.

The Role of Fire Safety Standards in BIPV

BIPV technology integrates photovoltaic components into building structures, offering a sustainable energy solution without compromising architectural integrity. This is especially beneficial in densely populated areas with limited space for traditional PV installations. However, the complexity of building codes and fire safety standards has been a significant barrier to BIPV market growth. Fire safety standards vary widely across different countries and regions, reflecting local building traditions and regulatory frameworks.

Importance of Testing Laboratories

Ensuring compliance with fire safety standards requires rigorous testing of BIPV products, as for conventional building components. Testing laboratories play a crucial role in this process, yet identifying the appropriate labs is often a daunting task for suppliers who operate globally. The IEA PVPS Task 15 report, "Fire safety of BIPV: International mapping of accredited and R&D facilities in the context of codes and standards" addresses this issue by providing a detailed mapping of over twenty testing laboratories worldwide. This resource is invaluable for BIPV suppliers, architects, and project managers, offering guidance on navigating fire safety standards and identifying reliable testing facilities.

The Complexity of BIPV Fire Safety

The complexity of BIPV fire safety demands comprehensive industry guidelines developed through collaboration among various stakeholders, including, PV experts, building regulatory bodies, fire engineers, fa?ade engineers, fire rescue commissions, and testing laboratories. Specific test configurations are essential for evaluating BIPV components and systems effectively. Additionally, more research is needed to better understand the influence of active parts (PV cells, junction box, cabling, etc.), their possible contribution to fire and its propagation as well as additional risks such as, for example, the exposure to longer periods of partial shading, typical for urban environments which could lead to hot-spots.

Recommendations and Future Directions

The Task 15 report provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of fire safety requirements. It recommends specific test configurations for assessing BIPV components and the hazards posed by operating systems during a fire. The integration of comprehensive fire safety guidelines and adherence to international standards are crucial for the future growth of the BIPV market.

About IEA PVPS Task 15

The overall objective of Task 15 is to create an enabling framework to accelerate the deployment of BIPV products in the global market of renewable energies and the construction sector. This aims to create an equal playing field for BIPV products, BAPV products, and regular building components, while considering mandatory, aesthetic, reliability, and financial issues.

BIPV combines electric and construction technologies. Task 15 adds value to BIPV by addressing not only PV aspects (energy, environmental, and PR) but also the building as a whole (aesthetics, building energy performance, and multifunctionality). The scope covers new and existing buildings, various PV technologies, applications, and scales from single-family homes to large-scale office and utility buildings.

By fostering collaboration, prioritizing comprehensive guidelines, and adhering to international standards, we can ensure the BIPV market thrives while maintaining the highest safety standards in the built environment.

About IEA PVPS

The IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) is one of the collaborative R&D Agreements established within the IEA and, since its establishment in 1993, the PVPS participants have been conducting a variety of joint projects in the application of photovoltaic conversion of solar energy into electricity.