Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What is BIPV?

BIPV stands for ‘Building-Integrated PhotoVoltaics’. BIPV materials mimic conventional building materials and also integrate photovoltaic (PV) modules that generate electricity.

What does NLMP mean?

NLMP stands for ‘Nano-layered Micro-Patterned’.

How does it work?

  • Sunlight has UV (~8%), VISIBLE (~42%) and IR (~50%) spectral components
  • Materials deposited on glass allow more than 90% of UV and IR spectral components to be transmitted through
  • Depending on image colour, 65-90% of visible light is transmitted through
  • >80% of overall incident sunlight is transmitted through to the solar cells and converted to electricity.

Can I add a battery?

Absolutely. A battery can be used in conjunction with a hybrid inverter as shown in the Figure on the right. The BIPV modules supply DC power to the inverter which charges the battery and converts the DC power of the battery to AC power that can be used to power home’s electrical appliances and/or supplied to the grid.

How much can I save?

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) generate electricity efficiently, just like conventional solar panels. The advantage is BIPV has ability to be integrated into building skins providing greater surface area than roofs alone.

A 30 story commercial building can deploy up to 1000kW of peak output utilising Alpha Solar Tech BIPV modules with an estimated energy saving of up to AU$6,000,000.00 *over a 25 year year period.