Photovoltaics and architecture: acceptance through harmonious integration

Source: Deutsches Ingenieurblatt

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) modules into the architecture of buildings has a significant influence on their acceptance in society. This has been confirmed by a study conducted by the University of Freiburg in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.

As part of the study, both an online survey with photographic material and an on-site survey with different colored PV modules were carried out. The results show a high basic acceptance of photovoltaics in urban areas. PV systems on modern buildings were rated more positively by respondents than those on historic buildings.

"The study shows that the social acceptance of PV systems depends heavily on the type of building and its visual design. These factors are clearly more decisive than personal values, political views or ecological concerns," explains Angela Zhou, Master's student at the University of Freiburg and lead author of the study.

The study suggests that for existing buildings, it makes sense to choose PV modules that blend harmoniously into the appearance rather than designing them as an eye-catching architectural element. A wide variety of visually different PV modules is therefore necessary to meet the requirements of different building contexts. Photovoltaics in connection with new buildings was not considered in the study, so this limitation may not be relevant in this area.

Today, 75 percent of installed PV systems can already be found on buildings. The market for building-integrated photovoltaics is growing steadily and holds enormous potential. For a successful energy transition in Germany, an installed PV capacity of around 400 gigawatts peak will be required by 2045. With a technical potential of around 1000 gigawatts peak, photovoltaics on buildings can make a significant contribution to the decarbonization of the construction industry and infrastructure - without requiring additional land.