ABSTRACT
Network connection is often the preferred configuration for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). The electricity generated by the system is exported to the local electricity supplier's network, while the building's electricity demands are separately imported. This approach places the responsibility for network stability on the local supply company. The shortterm acceptability of the approach is assured by government subsidies. In the long term, the use of the supply network as a storage device is not sustainable because the operators will not be able to absorb the costs associated with the maintenance of power quality and network stability. The further development of BIPV will require approaches to power utilisation that avoid the need to export PV generated electricity to the grid.
