BLOG: Renovation Package 5 BIPV Element (Building Integrated Photovoltaic) Testing Procedure

SUNAGE PV modules are part of the RP5Multi-Purpose Facade installed in the Italian demo case. REHOUSE Renovation Package 5 consists of an innovative prefabricated element composed of a substructure provided by RI Spa and bio-based insulation provided by BIOMAT.

RP5Multi-Purpose Façade has already been presented in the blog: FRONTIER OF FACADES – INNOVATING BUILDING EXTERIORS. This article will shortly present the testing procedures made on the photovoltaic façade component.

The SUNAGE photovoltaic glass, as a construction product, must comply with all the requirements applicable to such materials. Additionally, being equipped with a photovoltaic component that renders it active (capable of generating energy), it must also meet electrical requirements, including adherence to the international standard IEC 61730 and the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU.

Compliance with these requirements ensures both safe electrical operation and mechanical reliability. To verify conformity with the key standards, various tests were conducted at the laboratory of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI).

  • Visual Inspection
  • Electrical Performance
  • Electroluminescence
  • Spectral responsivity
  • Wet Leakage
  • Hail test
  • Mechanical load test
  • Impact resistance, hard/soft body impact

These tests highlighted the high-quality manufacturing standards of the BIPV element, granting high energy production for all the proposed colors (180-200 Wp/sqm). Optimal hail resistance properties HW4 (35 mm ice ball at 97 km/h). Respecting all the safety regulations.

SUNAGE photovoltaic modules obtained the class B-s1, d0 for reaction to fire according to UNI EN 13501-1. Additional tests are currently conducted at ISTITUTO GIORDANO S.p.A. to evaluate the reaction to fire of the complete façade system.

Author’s name:

Gazmend Luzi, CEO, SUNAGE SA

Alex Ferrario, Engineer, SUNAGE SA

Links to your organisation:

Website:          https://sunage.ch/

LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunage-sa

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/SunageSA

Instagram:       https://www.instagram.com/sunage_sa/