PV Resistance: Beyond Beauty
INVITAIC BIPV modules prove that solar design is not only about appearance — real architectural solar solutions must also withstand extreme weather challenges.
It is well known in the PV industry that modules are subjected to challenging environments: constant radiation, high and low temperatures, dust, rain, chemicals, and organic agents are some examples. This highlights the importance of selecting the best raw materials and manufacturing processes to achieve reliable PV resistance.
The design and quality of these materials and processes are regulated by international standards, such as IEC 61215, considering general installation environments.
However, there are locations where factors such as strong wind loads, heavy rain, snow, and large hailstones create greater challenges. These extreme environments can compromise PV resistance, where standard modules may not provide a constant and reliable energy supply for users.
For BIPV applications, especially solar façades, roofs, and PV glass solutions, durability is just as important as architectural design.
PV Glass and BIPV Modules for Extreme Weather Protection
As buildings increasingly integrate solar technology into façades and surfaces, PV glass needs to deliver both aesthetic value and long-term protection.
Switzerland and high mountain regions represent some of the most demanding environments for photovoltaic installations.
The Association of Cantonal Fire Insurers (VKF, its acronym in German) is the primary, federally accredited authority in Switzerland responsible for issuing nationwide safety standards, developing risk-based protection regulations, and managing official product certifications against building, fire, weather, and cantonal risks.
Considering the extreme conditions in their high mountain territories and the need for safer buildings, VKF created its Hail Impact Test Standard.
This standard evaluates the ability of products such as roofing materials, roofs, façades, and PV modules to withstand hail impacts, with different levels ranging from HW1 to HW5.
Regarding PV resistance, the IEC 61215 standard requires a 25 mm hailstone impact at 23 m/s.
The Swiss standard requires components to withstand a 50 mm ice sphere at 30.8 m/s, creating around fourteen times higher impact energy.
This higher requirement means BIPV modules need stronger materials, reliable PV glass, and advanced manufacturing processes.
INVITAIC BIPV: Beyond the 50 mm Standard With 65 mm HW5 Hail Resistance
Through its experience in manufacturing PV modules and the use of glass with optimized heat treatment and precise thickness control, INVITAIC BIPV modules have passed the Swiss hail resistance test and achieved the highest HW5 rating within the Swiss standard.
More importantly, INVITAIC HW5 hail resistance testing goes beyond the traditional 50 mm hail impact requirement. While the standard test uses a 50 mm ice sphere, INVITAIC testing withstands a larger 65 mm ice ball impact, providing enhanced protection for extreme weather conditions.
In addition to customized colors, textures, and designs, INVITAIC BIPV modules combine architectural aesthetics with high PV resistance.
For architects, designers, and developers, this means greater freedom to create solar façades, PV glass applications, and sustainable buildings without compromising safety.
INVITAIC BIPV solutions are suitable for roofs, coverings, and façades where both design and long-term performance are essential.
Contact us and let us guide you from the initial concept of your architectural solar project.
Contact INVITAIC: sales@invitaic.com
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