Continuing on our conversation from our previous post about renewable energy sources is the concept of BIP, Building Integrated Photovoltaics. The concept is to advance beyond having a building envelope component and then slapping on a renewable energy component. What if one component could provide both functions… well, now it can. BIP, which was first introduced in the 1990’s, incorporates aesthetic integration and dual functionality. DOW was one of the early adopters of this technology with its DOW PowerHouse solar modules which were woven into standard three-tab asphalt roofing systems. Architectural Resource deployed this technology on a whole house, deep energy retrofit in 2014, to great success. Since then there have been other players entering the field, most notably was Tesla, with its Solar Roof tiles. Closer to home, based in South East Michigan is LUMA Solar. LUMA Solar has a BIP system that is an integrated, whole-roof program, similar to Tesla, with some of the roofing shingle components being photovoltaic and some not. It is a best-in-class, beautiful and durable system, UL Listed Fire Test Class C and rated to exceed category 5 hurricanes, however it isn’t a low cost option. Now you know! https://bit.ly/40YWpbf