Solar photovoltaics are a practical solution for the building industry because they can be substituted for many existing materials already commonly used on the outside of a building.

Most modern commercial buildings have an outer skin, or facade, which is distinct from the load bearing structure of the building. This facade is usually made of glass, brick, stone, or metal, depending upon aesthetic and cost considerations. As well as providing a strong visual identity to a building, the facade also protects it from the elements.

While the examples in this report focus predominantly on facades, solar photovoltaics can be integrated into all aspects of the external body envelope such as atrium glazing, glass domes, sunshades and rooflights. When deployed on commercial buildings solar photovoltaics perform in the same way as a conventional building material, such as glass or metal, ensuring weather protection. However, unlike these passive materials, solar photovoltaics also serve the function of generating clean electricity for use within the building.