Janusz Marchwinski msc., Katarzyna Zielonko-Jung dr,
prof, dr Zygmunt Szparkowski

Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology,

Koszykowa 55, r. 218A, Warsaw, 00-659, Poland
Phone Nr +4822 660 55 24, Fax Nr +4822 628 32 36, e-mail:j. marchwinski@wp. pl

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

The analysis of the influence of photovoltaic (PV) modules’ usage is focused on thermal and lighting environment in the inner space of the building and visual contact with its surroundings. This problem is connected with thermal and visual comfort of the user.

Since the main role of PV modules relies on electricity generation in the building, the influence of their usage on the inner space environment seems to be less important. However, as the PV module becomes an integral architectural part of the building, this aspect must be taken into consideration.

All the solutions, which are commonly referred to as “building integrated photovoltaics” (BIPV), may affect the inner space environment in a different way. In consequence one can observe, that the architecture of the building is being affected.

The main scope of the paper is to evaluate the influence of PV modules’ usage on the inner space environment in terms of thermal and visual comfort of the user. The paper is also focused on indicating the architectural consequences that may happen as the result of this influence. We aim at showing certain pros and cons connected with PV modules’ usage as architectural components integrated within the elevation and the roof of the building.

To prove our point, four non-residential buildings with various PV modules implementation have been chosen as a groundwork for our analysis. These are: library building in Mataro (Spain), laboratory building in Petten (the Netherlands), office building ”Doxford Int.” in Sunderland (U. K.) and Mont-Cenis Academy building in Herne-Sodingen (Germany).