Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in architectural design in China

► BIPV are one of the best ways to harness solar power. ► We should choose the appearance of BIPV according to actual needs. ► It is not necessary for photovoltaic components to last as long as buildings. ► The ease of maintaining and replacing photovoltaic components should be emphasized. ► Our novel BIPV structural comes from the principle of dry batteries, self-locking and the integration of electrical circuits and steel support systems. Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are one of the best ways to harness solar power, which is the most abundant, inexhaustible and clean of all the available energy resources. This paper discusses issues concerning BIPV in architectural design in China, including how to choose between BIPV and building-attached photovoltaics (BAPV), whether it is necessary for photovoltaic components to last as long as buildings and how to design BIPV structures. The paper shows that we should consider the function, cost, technology and aesthetics of BIPV, rather than solely the high integrations. According to developments in technology and markets, photovoltaic structures and design should be focused on the maintenance and replacement of photovoltaic cell modules, rather than simply prolonging their lives. To solve problems associated with the existing photovoltaic structures in China, we design a building photovoltaic structure that allows convenient maintenance and replacement of photovoltaic components.