Component	BIPV Application	Suitability	Efficiency	Constructability	Maintenance	Modularity	Integration	Aesthetics	Energy Cost
Thin Film	Contained within widows	Highly: can be semi-transparent/ transparent to allow light infiltration	5 - 8%	Requires pre- manufacturing, may incur long lead times for material	Requires no special maintenance, may be difficult to replace	Can be applied to differing sizes, no modularity required	“Plug and Play” capabilities, Replaces standard windows	Visually acceptable in certain applications, variety of color, system life is equal to/greater than component life	High energy cost, use on multiple windows creates better payback
Wall Panel	Exterior crystalline cells within wall panel	Moderate: replaces façade well, limited solar availability	12 - 15%	Component pre-manufactured. Heavy, requires replacement of wall, additional framing may be required	No special maintenance, difficult to replace, requires removal of weather barrier system	Requires modularity. May not be able to use on buildings with odd multiple lengths	“Plug and Play”, replaces entire façade system	Color limited, system life is equal to/greater than component life, may violate local zoning/housing requirements	Low energy cost, limited solar availability, long payback for high initial cost
GE Brilliance Roof Integrated System	Pre-packaged roofing system	Highly, allows for direct replacement of roofing material	80 - 100 kWh/ month/ 100 sq. ft	No specialist, all in one application, self-contained, works similar to shingles but larger, light weight ~18 lbs/panel	No special maintenance, 25 year warranty, hail and severe weather resistance	Requires modularity, may not cover available area completely	All components included, may be implemented on facades	Bluish-black appearance, 25 year warranty on power output, 5 years on workmanship/ components, profile resembles shingles	May substantially effect energy cost, price not available, payback dependent upon number of panels, rebates, and output