DEVELOPMENT OF A BUILDING INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAICS - MASS CUSTOM HOUSING INDEX

The strategic potentials and benefits of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) have been definitively asserted in several major reviews carried out by researchers over the last few years. Several of them point to the veracity of this technology as an elegant architectural and aesthetic option with smart energy saving potentials for building developers, thus, asserting its importance as an energy-efficient strategy to achieve sustainable building design. Similarly, investigation into Mass Custom Homes has started addressing its zero-energy potential and taking advantage of this unique opportunity to actualise the client's brief, without compromising standardisation. Although a link has been established in literature between BIPV and zero-energy homes, an index of BIPV resources outlining materials, functions and products is essential to create a BIPV-Mass Custom synergy. This paper aims to present the development of an original index tool which reflects BIPV standardisation and customisation potential along with an outline for its evaluation. The strategic impact of the BIPV index reflects architectural, energy and environmental benefits. It also presents architects and planners with an easy-to-use tool in BIPV implementation, and can be used as a strategic means of advancing the acceptance of BIPV among building clients. The index further achieves a distinctive inclusion of renewable options for mass custom housing schemes with multiple advantages and opportunities for future innovation.