Development of a design tool for building integrated photovoltaics

This paper outlines the design objectives, approach and results of the development of a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system visualisation prototype design tool which was coded in Visual Basic for Applications. It provides the designer with the flexibility to change the photovoltaic cell types, cell sizes, the backing sheet colours, the spacing between the cells and the spacing between the modules. The module design can then be applied to the building drawing. Features which provide detailed specifications for the designed system are under development.