The Architectural Integration of Photovoltaic Building Products in the Historic Centers

In the implementation of the energy policy’s objectives, the European Union gives much importance to the incentive of using photovoltaic technology to be applied in any context of the construction. At the same time as technology’s growth, also the Italian legislation in order to adapt to the EU legislation, pursues the same objective with interventions aimed at incentivizing. The application of this technology in the context of the historic center presents, however, several difficulties. This work aims at analyzing the use of electric net-connected photovoltaic systems applied in historic centers and the emerging issues in this particular context. This study deals with the problem of integration of photovoltaic technology in historic centers. Moreover, it analyses the proposals for technological solutions within the European and National regulatory framework and of the building products in the photovoltaic market. Finally, it identifies the main useful criteria which facilitate the integration of photovoltaic systems in historic centers. Due to the complexity of the topic, the work identifies the main criteria which facilitate the integration of photovoltaic systems in historic centers through the use of a variety of strategies in order to: • Encourage proposals for demonstrative applications in collaboration between companies and municipalities, with the aim to accustom and educate clients and designers; • Identify the specific guidelines which regulate the architectonic integration; • Operate the choice of photovoltaic products, with preference given to technological solutions with a lower visual impact; • Identify guidelines for research towards the creation / invention and the subsequent proposal for innovative photovoltaic products, compatible with the application in the context of the historic center; • Have the public administration, preparing plans for the integration of photovoltaic technology in the historic centers as guidelines for designers in order to operate being also adequately supported by forms of economic incentives.