The most focused on and visible part of a photovoltaic (PV)
installation is the technology used. PV technology usually takes
the form of rigid PV panels mounted on a building's roof, which
represents another independent building system that needs to be
installed. Roof-mounted PV panels require mounting frames, roof
connections and other hardware that adds to the installation
cost of the PV system. However, advances in PV materials and
manufacturing processes has resulted in building-integrated PV
(BIPV) where PV is being integrated into roofing materials,
glass and other building materials and surface coatings. BIPV
has the potential to transform a building's entire outer surface
into an electric generator. Many electrical contractors
mistakenly believe the BIPV trend will mean a loss of market
share to other trades that install PV. On the contrary, BIPV
spells a tremendous growth opportunity for electrical
contractors. PV panels or building materials represent only a
portion of the cost. Once installed, the