Criteria for building types selection in preserved areas to pre-assess the Building Integrated Photovoltaics solar potential -The case study of Como land area

Abstract

The implementation of RES technologies in preserved areas encounters specific challenges and barriers due to the pre-existence of valuable heritage and natural values. This research aims at identifying a clear methodology to evaluate the potential application of Building Integrated Photovoltaics systems (BIPV) in heritage buildings and protected land areas. The study, realized in the framework of the Interreg V-A Italy-Switzerland project “BIPV meets history”, presents the methodology for analyzing the best BIPV exploitation possibilities to validate their applicability in a preserved land area in the province of Como (Italy). This methodology considered several characteristics such as the predisposition, limits, suitable BIPV technologies and so forth. After the identification of the most recurrent building types and the related relevant characteristics for the solar potential exploitation have been identified, the analysis focused on the historical buildings that despite the high energy retrofitting potential encounter the major technical and heritage constraints for BIPV. The study resulted into a building classification database, which lists a series of parameters and identifies the main architectural elements and compatible criteria with the BIPV application. This study creates the base for the evaluation of effective energy savings related to the use of BIPV technology on heritage buildings and landscapes and demonstrate their potential for improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings and sites, safeguarding their heritage values.