Category

Questions to ask

Application

1) For what purpose is the system intended to operate towards?

2) Is the system “off the shelf” or is it custom designed?

3) Where on the residential project can system feasibly be installed?

Suitability

1) Do the climate, location, and orientation of the system play a role in how effective it could be?

2) Are related building components able to be replaced by these systems?

Efficiency

1) What is the efficiency of the system being considered?

2) What ways does this system/component increase the building efficiency?

Constructability

1) Is there any installation difficulties?

2) What type of laborer does it take to install them (specialists or common trades)?

3) Does the unit require custom fabrication?

4) How much prefabrication can be undertaken before installation?

Maintenance

1) What level of maintenance is required to keep the system operational?

2) When an item needs replaced how easy is it to be replaced, and does the entire system need to be replaced?

Modularity

1) What are the modular attributes and properties?

2) Does the modular attributes align with the physical home?

3) Is the product able to be modified in-field or does it require custom manufacturing?

Integration

1) How cohesive and adopted is the system to the existing home?

2) Does the product have dual functions to replace any systems that must be removed?

3) What aspects must be considered in the renovation for the system to be integrated successfully?

Aesthetics

1) Is the product visually pleasing or is it obstructive?

2) Does it meet local/national codes and zoning requirements?

3) What are the aesthetic options for the product to choose from?

Energy Cost

1) What is the local energy rate for the surrounding region?

2) Does the cost of BIPV have a good comparison to the local rates?

3) What is the payback per year, the payback period, lifecycle cost for the system?