Introduction

The aim of the project was to design, install and monitor a grid-connected and building integrated photovoltaic system.  The test facility is expected to evaluate and disseminate photovoltaic technologies.

Objectives and target audience

Objectives of the project:-

• To perform first-class research into solar photovoltaics;
• To promote photovoltaic and renewable energies;
• To promote BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics);
• To evaluate and disseminate photovoltaic technologies;
• To contribute to the EU commitments included in the Directive on RES and the Kyoto protocol;
• (To decrease the CO2 emission; To increase RES).

The target groups in which this project is aimed at are:-

• Decision makers on governmental and local level;
• Researchers community;
• Architects and builders;
• Students;
• Media;
• General public.

Financial Resources and Partners involved

The project was financed by European Funds (5th FP) as well as from the Polish Foundation “EkoFundusz”, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Municipality of Warsaw and the Warsaw University of Technology.  The project was prepared by The Centre of Photovoltaics at Warsaw University of Technology.
The total cost of the project was c.a. 2 500 0000 EUR.
The costs of the photovoltaic installation were 8 500 EUR for 1kW -without monitoring systems / 9500 EUR per 1 kW -with the monitoring system.

Process

Project design;
Building communication  for the project implementation;
1st phase: Installation  of photovoltaic modules on the roof and part of the building fascade;
2nd phase: Installation  of photovoltaic modules on the building fascade;
Establishment of the outdoor and indoor test facility;
Promotion of the project;

Results

• The photovoltaic installation of the 708 photovoltaic modules with a total power of 56 kW has been introduced;
• The annual green energy generation from the photovoltaic system is estimated to be 38,000 kWh;
• The avoided CO2 emission has been estimated at 822 000 kg CO2 in 30 years
• The system is the first and the largest BIPV system in Poland.
• The outdoor and indoor test facility has been established;
• Increase interest in photovoltaic systems within research and student communities;
• The energy use for the photovoltaic system production and installation, will be return after 5,5 years;

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

The key success factors:-

• The leading role of The Centre of Photovoltaics at Warsaw University of Technology; An excellent communications plan and an excellent understanding of the project;
• Good understanding and personal commitment of the Polish Foundation “EkoFundusz” President.
• Funding opportunities for the RES projects;
• Additional value of the project- the education and demonstration role.
• The project could be successfully implemented in other places: public service buildings (schools, administration buildings, libraries), private house, etc.  There has been significant interest in photovoltaic systems from the business sector.