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Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems blend energy generation with traditional architectural facade functions, promoting the development of zero-energy buildings by reducing energy consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing aesthetic value. Despite these benefits, the integration of photovoltaic technology into building materials introduces challenges, notably in ensuring structural integrity, maintaining thermal performance, and securing long-term durability under diverse environmental conditions. This review examines current standards and building codes relevant to BIPV windows, highlighting the necessity for testing protocols that encompass combined stressors from extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. Through a case study focused on Singapore, the review underscores the rising frequency of combined heat and wind events, advocating for robust standards and adaptive policies. The paper identifies critical research gaps and proposes future directions to enhance the reliability and performance of BIPV systems, aiming to solidify their role in sustainable building practices. 

Abstract Solar near-infrared (NIR) selective glazing systems have been proposed by incorporating photothermal effects (PTE) of a nanoparticle film into building windows. From an energy efficiency perspective, the nanoscale PTE forms unique inward-flowing heat by heating up the window interior surface temperature under solar near-infrared, significantly improving the window thermal performance. Also, the PTE-driven solar heat gains are dynamic upon solar radiation and weather conditions. However, the PTE on annual building energy use has not been investigated thoroughly, due to the lack of an accurate and appropriate energy simulation method. In this study, we used the EnergyPlus energy management system to develop a parametric energy model and simulation approach in which a solar-temperature-dependent thermal model was embedded into the parametric energy simulation workflow. Applying this method, we examined the solar near-infrared-dependent PTE-induced thermal performances of glazing systems and their effects on annual heating energy use in representative cold climates (i.e., Zones 4, 5, and 6). The results show that the dynamic model considering the PTE demonstrated more heating energy savings, up to 11.64% in cold climates, as opposed to the baseline model that ignored the PTE. This work presents a method to model and simulate the dynamic thermal performance of windows with PTE. 

With the recent discoveries and engineering solutions emerging in nanomaterials and nanostructures, independent band modulation of solar radiation on building envelopes, including glazing systems, has become increasingly viable as a potential means of improving building energy savings and indoor visual comfort. However, when it comes to the prediction of these new materials’ potential energy performance in buildings, most studies utilize a simple solar irradiance (e.g., global horizontal solar irradiance, direct beam solar irradiance) or a rough estimation of solar infrared (e.g., 50% solar irradiance) as input, which may cause significant errors. Consequently, there is a pressing need for reliable performance estimations of the solar infrared control and response at the building’s scale. To assess this, we need a solar spectral irradiance model, or at least a wideband (visible or infrared) solar irradiance model, as input. To develop this new type of model, one needs to understand the modeling-related key elements, including available solar spectral irradiance datasets, data collection methods, and modeling techniques. As such, this paper reviews the current major measurement methods and tools used in collecting solar spectral irradiance data with a focus on the solar infrared region, identifies the available related resources and datasets that particularly encompass the solar spectral irradiance data with a sufficient wavelength range, and studies existing solar irradiation modeling techniques for building simulations. These investigations will then form the background and backbone for a study scheme of solar infrared radiation modeling and indicate future research paths and opportunities.