FOURIER

In the context of the national energy transition, driven by climate policies and post-COVID-19 economic recovery efforts, new opportunities are emerging for the Italian photovoltaic industry. While the "utility-scale" photovoltaic market requires large investments and offers limited margins, the emerging sector of photovoltaics integrated into the built environment is characterized by different dynamics, focusing more on structural and aesthetic aspects rather than production volumes and costs per unit of power. In Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), the structural, functional, and aesthetic integration of modules is crucial, with costs evaluated per unit of surface area rather than installed power. The BIPV market is expected to grow, particularly in the facades of multi-story buildings, where roof space is insufficient to meet the energy demand. Regulations will push for solutions that exceed nZEB standards, requiring positive energy balances for buildings and districts. The main goal of this project is to develop a class of photovoltaic modules and systems based on mass-customization concepts, adaptable to a wide range of new construction or facade renovation projects for multi-story buildings, considering both installation and maintenance.