“Proper assessment of integrated photovoltaic systems is essential for building safety”
TECNALIA is taking part in the International Energy Agency’s initiative to map building-integrated photovoltaics in construction
From its Fire Safety Laboratory, TECNALIA has taken part in the initiative of the International Energy Agency (IEA TASK 15) which aims to map research centres and laboratories working with building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) across the globe.
The results of the study have been included in a report that presents an overview of R&D centres, laboratories, standards and regulations in 18 countries around the world that address fire safety of building products: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and USA.
As these systems become an increasingly integral part of urban infrastructure, it is crucial that harmonised regulatory frameworks are developed in order to define specific test methods and requirements to ensure the safety of the buildings within them.
IEA TASK 15 Report
The report provides a brief description of the applicable international fire safety standards, national building codes and regulations regarding the fire safety of BIPV modules and systems, and recommends accredited laboratories that provide the test methods applicable to these products.
This study provides a useful basis for the future development of internationally harmonised test methods to assess the fire safety of BIPV products and systems, briefly outlining the future development of new test procedures and opportunities around fire safety.
The final report of the study concludes that there is a need for further international harmonisation of fire safety standards for construction products. Among other aspects, the specific challenges introduced by the integration of BIPV systems in buildings will have to be addressed.
