Legal & Standartisation aspects

Considering the growing market share of BIPV, the progress in standardization (EN 50583-2016, Parts 1 and 2) and the tightening regulations with respect to CPR (Construction Product Regulation n.305/2011), it can be stated that a BIPV component is not merely an electrical device but it is becoming a mature building element as well. Building standard compliance Qualification as a building product (CPR 305/2011-CE Marking , building codes and design approaches).
Building integrated PV (BIPV) has long been recognised as an important area, but also one in which the lack of standards is frequently cited as an issue. Given that in Europe the requirements of the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive is expected to push this market segment towards significant growth in the coming years, standards for BIPV products and systems are likely to be a priority area.

The multifunctional role of PV products leads to different standards requirements:
- Electrical performance and safety, via CENELEC/IEC standards and the Low Voltage Directive
- Building energy performance via CEN/ISO standards (as required under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive)
- Structural performance via Eurocodes. The EN Eurocodes are a series of 10 European Standards, EN 1990 - EN 1999, providing a common approach for the design of buildings and other civil engineering works and construction products.
Photovoltaic energy systems, 2019 JRC - Joint Research Centre (European Commission)