MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Glass (Laminated (8.76mm-13.52mm); IGU (28mm-40mm))

Specialty Glass
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ATLAS CODE
MIN-GLA-SPE-001
Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Glass (Laminated (8.76mm-13.52mm); IGU (28mm-40mm))
Category mineral
Material Family Glass
Regulatory Status Non-combustible
Density
2500 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
850 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Non-combustible
Lifespan
25 yrs
Description

Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) glass integrates solar cells within laminated glass assemblies, serving dual functions as building envelope and power generation system. Available in laminated configurations (8.76-13.52mm) for facades and skylights, and IGU configurations (28-40mm) for enhanced thermal performance. Utilises crystalline silicon or thin-film technologies with varying transparency levels from 10-50% light transmission.

Primary Sectors
[Commercial]
Typical Uses
  • Commercial building facades
  • Atrium and skylight systems
  • Curtain wall integration
  • Canopy and shading structures
  • Spandrel panels
  • Vision glass with partial transparency
  • Zero-energy building envelopes
  • Retrofit over-cladding systems
Recycled Content 0
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 90
Embodied Carbon 850 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 1200 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Dual function as building envelope and power generatorReduces cooling loads through solar controlEligible for renewable energy incentives25+ year operational lifespanReduces building carbon footprintArchitectural flexibility in designWeather-resistant laminated construction
Cautions
High initial capital costReduced visible light transmissionComplex electrical integration requiredLimited local manufacturing in Australia12-20 week lead times for custom configurationsPotential glare from cell reflectionsLower efficiency than roof-mounted PVRequires specialist installation expertise
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-GLA-SPE-001
Density (Dry) 2500 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 2.5
Porosity 0 %
Water Absorption 0 %
Hardness 6.5
Surface Roughness 0.001 μm
UV Resistance Excellent
Chemical Resistance Excellent
pH Tolerance 3-11
Compressive Strength 1000 MPa
Tensile Strength 40 MPa
Flexural Strength 45 MPa
Elastic Modulus 70000 GPa
Impact Resistance Grade A Safety Glass J/m
Poisson's Ratio 0.22
Creep Resistance Not applicable
Abrasion Resistance High
Thermal Conductivity 1 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.16 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 840 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 9 μm/m·K
Melting Point 600 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 38
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.05
Optical
Light Transmittance 30 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 15 %

BIPV technology emerged in the 1990s with early applications in demonstration projects. Commercial adoption accelerated post-2010 with improved cell efficiencies and architectural integration. Australian market penetration remains limited but growing, driven by sustainability targets and Green Star ratings. Current third-generation products offer improved aesthetics and performance, with crystalline silicon and thin-film technologies dominating the market. Expected to play significant role in achieving net-zero building targets by 2030.

SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-GLA-SPE-001
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class Non-combustible
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion None
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 850 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 1200 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 0%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 5
Skill Level Specialist - Glazier + Electrician
Crew Size 4
Installation Time 4-8 hours per 10m² hr/m²
Curing Time 24 hours hours
Setting Time 2 hours min
Temperature Range 5-35 °C
Humidity Range 20-80 %
Required Tools
Glass suction liftersElectrical testing equipmentDC isolators and toolsSpecialized glazing toolsTorque wrenches for frame assembly
Certifications Required
Electrical licence for DC connectionsWorking at heights certificationGlass handling certification
Weather Limitations
No installation in winds >30km/hAvoid rain during electrical connectionsTemperature range 5-35°C for sealants
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-GLA-SPE-001
Material Cost 800-1500
Installation Cost 300-500
Annual Maintenance 15
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 1800
Market Availability Limited - Special order
Lead Time 12-20 weeks weeks
Design Life 25 years
Warranty Period 10 years
Maintenance Interval 12 months
Service Temp Range -40 to 85 °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent
Dimensional Stability Excellent
Certifications Held
IEC 61215 PV module design qualificationIEC 61730 PV module safety qualificationUL 61730 (where applicable)ISO 14001 Environmental managementGreen Star contributory productLead-free solder options availableRoHS compliant electrical components
Fire Code Compliance
AS 3959:2018 - BAL-12.5 to BAL-40 compliantNon-combustible per AS 1530.1
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 Section JAS 1288:2021 Glass in buildingsAS 2208-1996 Safety glazingAS 4055 Wind loads for housingASTM E2190 Insulating glass unit performanceISO 9050 Glass in building - Light transmittanceEN 14449 Laminated glassEN 50583 Photovoltaics in buildings

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-GLA-SPE-001 Schema: v3.0