BIPV technology application: Highlighting advances, tendencies and solutions through Solar Decathlon Europe houses

• BIPV and BAPV cases were both found in SDE2010 and SDE2012.
• Invisible design approach was preferred for BIPV applications, whilst added was for BAPV applications.
• Silicon-based cells were the dominant technology.
• Innovative solutions were presented like CPV, PVT, movable structures, HIT, new BIPV components.

One of the main characteristics of the Solar Decathlon Europe houses is that they run exclusively on solar energy, as part of the requirements of this worldwide competition for universities. This obligation stimulates the university Teams to search for innovative solutions to integrate photovoltaic technologies in their houses, searching for the best options that combine design with energy efficiency, energy performance and construction. The main tendencies, advances and solutions are presented.