New Tech
Solar technology has evolved to encompass roof tiles, windows, and cladding, capable of harnessing solar power. However, integrating and estimating the cost of these technologies during the building design phase can be a complex endeavor.
To address this challenge, RMIT University has developed groundbreaking software that assists architects and engineers in seamlessly incorporating and pricing “building-integrated photovoltaics” (BIPV) during the initial design stages. This software, co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), is unique in that it is built using Australian data.
The BIPV Enabler tool leverages data from solar products, building code regulations, financial variables, technical parameters, and construction information to generate customized 3D models and lifecycle simulations tailored to the building’s intended location. It can incorporate maps, solar visualizations, hourly weather data, material pricing details, and feed-in tariffs.
This tool empowers architects and engineers to select the most suitable materials for their designs, streamlining the research and implementation process for concealed solar technologies. According to project lead Associate Professor Rebecca Yang from RMIT’s Solar Energy Application Group, it makes integrated solar solutions more attractive to developers and significantly reduces the time involved in integrating such technologies.
She notes, “This isn’t just for new buildings either. Those looking to retrofit integrated solar into existing buildings will benefit too. We hope to see more buildings capable of generating solar electricity, while maintaining good design standards—a win for the planet and aesthetics.”
For instance, Australia’s first office tower entirely enveloped in a “skin” of solar panels, situated at 550 Spencer Street in West Melbourne, utilized this innovative approach. The tower employed thin-film PV modules, designed in Germany, which channel the generated electricity into the building’s main power supply. While construction on the structure recently concluded, an opening date for the tower is yet to be announced.
RMIT architecture lecturer Nic Bao highlights the software’s potential to help architects access materials from Australian suppliers, a task that can be challenging due to the diverse options available in today’s market.
Solar innovations beyond rooftop installations are gaining prominence in Australia. ClearVue, for instance, produces solar windows, which have been proven to be highly effective even during winter, matching the performance of a 6.6 kW rooftop array. Solar tiles are also making inroads in the Australian building industry.
Although RMIT’s software is pioneering in its application, an array of computer programs is emerging to enhance the sustainability of Australia’s building stock. The CSIRO’s Data Clearing House platform is enlisting 200 buildings to test its concept of transforming them into intelligent buildings capable of adapting their power consumption to renewable energy grid peaks.
The initiative to create more sustainable buildings has been ongoing, with organizations like the Property Council of Australia and the Green Building Council advocating for changes in building codes to drive the country’s building stock towards a net-zero future. It is increasingly apparent that the building sector holds immense potential to contribute to emissions reduction targets and generate substantial energy savings. With the right policy incentives, it could play a pivotal role in Australia’s sustainable future.
