Solar energy systems in architecture - Integration criteria and guidelines

This document is conceived for architects and intended to be as clear and practical as possible. It summarizes the knowledge needed to integrate active solar technologies (solar thermal and photovoltaics) into buildings, handling at the same time architectural integration issues and energy production requirements. Solar thermal and photovoltaics are treated separately, but the information is given following the same structure: 1- Main technical information; 2- Constructive/functional integration possibilities in the envelope layers; 3- System sizing and positioning criteria; 4- Good integration examples; 5- Formal flexibility offered by standard products; 6 - Innovative market products. To complete the information the manual ends with a short section dedicated to the differences and similarities between solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, with the purpose to help architects make an energetic and architecturally optimized use of the sun exposed surfaces of their buildings.