An integrated photovoltaic system can be a choice dictated by taste or a solution to regulatory constraints present in some areas.
A photovoltaic system is said to be integrated when the panels replace the roof covering elements on which they are installed: the system is not placed on top of the roof but replaces the covering materials, such as tiles.
An integrated photovoltaic system therefore performs both its primary function of converting solar energy into electrical energy, and the function of covering the building from the elements.
Obviously because To ensure that this is possible, integrated photovoltaics are appropriately designed to protect the building from possible water infiltration during rainy days thanks to the use of special sheaths and waterproof structures.
This type of installation requires, even more than traditional photovoltaics, expert and qualified intervention, since an integrated photovoltaic system requires architectural skills in addition to normal expertise in the installation of photovoltaic panels.
There are basically 2 reasons why you may request the integration of your photovoltaic system: aesthetics and necessity.
An integrated photovoltaic system is certainly more visually pleasing because the profile of the panels does not protrude from the casing of the structure. For this reason, many, especially when it comes to period homes, farmhouses or buildings with a certain style, prefer this type of installation.
Sometimes, regardless of personal taste, it is necessary to integrate the system due to landscape constraints, which may concern the building - if of particular aesthetic value - or the area in which it is built - for example in some historic centers or near natural parks. The concept, in reality, is always the same as the previous motivation, that is, the aesthetic effect that photovoltaic panels cause.