What is BS EN 50583-1-Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules about?
EN 50583 is a European standard that discusses photovoltaics in buildings and assists in developing the BIPV modules. The main aim of EN 50583 is to ensure BIPV modules make a positive contribution in the field of solar energy engineering, given the depleting conventional energy resources.
BS EN 50583-1 is the first part of the series that applies to photovoltaic modules used as construction products. It focuses on the properties of these photovoltaic modules relevant to essential building requirements as specified in the European Construction Product Regulation CPR 305/2011, and the applicable electro-technical requirements as stated in the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC / or CENELEC standards.
BS EN 50583-1 references international standards, technical reports, and guidelines. For some applications in addition national standards (or regulations) for building products may apply in individual countries, which are not explicitly referenced here, and for which harmonized European Standards are not yet available.
Who is BS EN 50583-1-BIPV modules for?
BS EN 50583-1 on photovoltaics in buildings is useful for:
- BIPV module manufacturers
- Planners, system designers, installers, testing institutes
- Solar-powered device manufacturers
- PV and photoelectric cell manufacturers
- Organizations involved in solar energy engineering
- Product design engineers
- Building owners
- Residential project developers and builders
Why should you use BS EN 50583-1-BIPV modules?
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are photovoltaic materials that are used to replace traditional building materials in areas such as the roof, skylights, or facades for electricity production.
BS EN 50583-1 is applicable to photovoltaic modules that are integrated into buildings, with photovoltaic modules used as building products.
BS EN 50583-1 walks you through best industry requirements including electrical requirements and building-related requirements. The requirements for BIPV modules vary based on whether the contain glass panes, polymer waterproofing sheet, metal sheets or other materials. Since the integration of photovoltaics into an existing construction product to create a BIPV module necessarily changes the properties with respect to the original construction product, it is necessary for a building owner to take into consideration these requirements.
Compliance with these requirements for BIPV modules recommended by BS EN 50583-1 can thus contribute to establishing efficient power generating systems, demonstrating power reliability and stability and ensuring the products perform as per design expectations.
