Development and Performance of Roof-Based Building-Integrated Photovoltaic-Thermal Systems: A Review

A building-integrated photovoltaic-thermal (BIPVT) system integrates building envelope and photovoltaic-thermal collectors to produce electricity and heat. In this paper, the electrical and thermal performance of roof-based BIPVT systems developed in the recent two decades and their effects on heating and cooling load of the building are reviewed. According to the use of thermal energy from the photovoltaic (PV) panels, the roof-based BIPVT are classified into three classes: cooling of PV, air heating, and water heating. Each class is further divided into several types according to the designs of the integrated PV roofs. Compared with BIPV systems, the total efficiency of most BIPVT systems is significantly improved. However, the decrease in electricity output and adverse impact on the indoor environment is also found for some designs of BIPVT systems in some climates. The advantages and disadvantages of various designs are discussed. Issues to be further studied in the future are also provided in this review.