What is BS EN 50583-2-Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) systems about?
EN 50583 is a European standard that discusses photovoltaics in buildings. 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 50583-2 is the second part of the series that applies to photovoltaic systems that are integrated into buildings with the photovoltaic modules used as construction products. BS EN 50583-2 focuses on the properties of these photovoltaic systems relevant to essential building requirements as specified in the European Construction Product Regulation CPR 89/106/EEC, and the applicable electro-technical requirements as stated in the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC / or CENELEC standards.
BS EN 50583-2 references international standards, technical reports, and guidelines. For some applications in addition national standards (or regulations) for building works may apply in individual countries, which are not explicitly referenced here.
BS EN 50583-2 does not apply to concentrating or building-attached photovoltaic systems
Who is BS EN 50583-2-BIPV systems for?
BS EN 50583-2 on building-integrated photovoltaics 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 50583-2-BIPV systems?
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 50583-2 is applicable to photovoltaic systems that are integrated into buildings, with photovoltaic systems used as building products.
BS EN 50583-2 walks you through best industry requirements including electrical requirements and building-related requirements. The requirements for BIPV systems 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.
As BIPV systems contain components that are used as construction products, these components are subject to the Essential Requirements as specified in the European Construction Product Regulation CPR 305/2011.vThe essential requirements defined in the CPR 305/2011 are:
- Mechanical resistance and stability
- Safety in case of fire
- Hygiene, health and the environment
- Safety and accessibility in use
- Protection against noise
- Energy economy and heat retention
- Sustainable use of natural resources
Compliance with the best industry requirements for BIPV systems recommended by BS EN 50583-2 can thus contribute to establishing efficient power generating systems, demonstrating power reliability and stability and ensuring the products perform as per design expectations.
