PEOPLELaura Maturi

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Laura Maturi

Senior Researcher
Institute for Renewable Energy

T +39 0471 055 633

laura.maturi@eurac.edu

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7505-9862

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About

Photovoltaic integration in the built environment
Solar buildings and solar architecture
BIPV – building integrated photovoltaics
Sustainable buildings

Laura Maturi leads the Integrated Photovoltaics (IPV) team at Eurac Research’s Institute for Renewable Energy. She holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering and an MSc in Architectural Engineering and her main research focus is on photovoltaic integration in the built environment.

She is scientific coordinator of EU funded research projects, with the largest being the H2020 EnergyMatching project (€ 7mln budget, 4.5-year duration, 16 European partners involved - including research centers, SMEs, large enterprises, private-public stakeholders).

She was an elected member of the Board of Directors of ItaliaSolare, the Italian PV Association, where she coordinated the R&D and community projects group. She is also a member of the Programme Committees of International conferences and academic seasonal schools and she is part of the Integrated Photovoltaics WG of the European Technology Innovation Platform (ETIP-PV).

Scientific Publications

Conference proceedings article2025

Advancing BIPV: Shingled HJT Technology for High-Efficiency and Aesthetic Solar Integration

Gonnella G, De Gruijter A, Veirman J, Pelle M, Maturi L, Moser D, Fialho L

Laura Maturi, Jordi Veirman, Gabriella Gonnella, Martina Pelle

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) require technologies that balance energy performance, durability, and aesthetics. Shingled heterojunction (HJT) solar cells offer high efficiency, excellent low-light response, and design flexibility, making them a promising candidate for façade applications. This study investigates the performance and stability of shingled HJT modules fabricated with different material combinations and color configurations. Eight modules were subjected to accelerated aging through humidity-freeze (HF10) testing, and their behavior was evaluated using IV characterization, electroluminescence (EL) imaging, visual inspection, and colorimetry. Results indicate that color integration reduces electrical output by 4–11% compared with reference modules, a trade-off consistent with typical BIPV requirements. Aesthetic stability, assessed through colorimetry, remained largely unchanged after stress testing, with ΔE values below or close to perceptibility thresholds, confirming good visual durability. Performance losses after HF10 were primarily linked to technological issues such as delamination and string mismatch rather than intrinsic limitations of the shingled HJT concept. Overall, the findings demonstrate that shingled HJT modules are a strong candidate for next-generation BIPV, provided that material compatibility and lamination processes are further optimized to ensure long-term reliability in real-world building applications.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.4229/EUPVSEC2025/4BO.17.5

Conference proceedings article2025

BREEZE Project: Advancing PV Implementation in Building Renovations

Celik D, Stierstorfer J, Morin C, Garabetian T, Pozza C, Babich F, Gupta A, Raul Morantes Quintana G,

Daniele Antonucci, Francesco Babich, Cristian Pozza, Laura Maturi, Akshit Gupta

Projekt: EU LIFE BREEZE - Renovierungsmaßnahmen für emissionsfreie Gebäude

BREEZE (Building Renovation Efforts for Zero Emission Buildings) aims to accelerate the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems into new and renovated buildings across EU Member States in line with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The project supports national implementation of the Solar Mandate by addressing key technical, financial, and regulatory barriers to large-scale PV deployment. BREEZE focuses on the effective use of rooftop PV, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and balcony PV to improve building energy performance while maintaining architectural quality. By developing standardized tools and practical frameworks, the project promotes cost-effective PV integration in renovation projects and strengthens the link between energy efficiency and on-site renewable generation. Pilot activities in Poland, Italy, and France will test PV deployment strategies under different building types, climates, and regulatory conditions, generating insights applicable across the EU. In parallel, BREEZE advances energy performance assessment methods to ensure compliance with EPBD targets and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) standards. Through capacity-building activities, policy guidance, and best practice development, the project equips policymakers, designers, and industry professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to support a coordinated, sustainable, and scalable approach to solar energy integration in Europe’s building sector.

DOI

DOI: 10.4229/EUPVSEC2025/5DV.3.42

Journal article2025

Building-integrated photovoltaics

Faes A, Virtuani A, Quest H, Maturi L, Scognamiglio A, Frontini F, Schlueter A, Martin-Chivelet N,

Laura Maturi

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) serves the dual purpose of fulfilling functional and architectural roles within buildings while generating electricity. However, the 10% photovoltaic (PV) market share in Switzerland could be an indication of the future relevance of BIPV in a global context, in which the gap is given by the shy presence of BIPV in most of the world with less than 1% of installed PV power. In this Review, we examine evolution and implementation of BIPV and the limitations and barriers to its broader adoption. BIPV is technologically mature and enables local electricity generation. Increasing aesthetics and reliability with decreasing cost and installation complexity can further improve the technology attractiveness. The mainstream PV market is dominated by increasingly efficient and cost-effective crystalline silicon solar modules. These trends make BIPV more economically viable — in Europe, the net present value of BIPV systems is positive — and influence uptake. The emergence of coloured solutions (such as coloured foils, digital ceramic printing or interferential coating) could enable a broader range of aesthetic designs. However, the fast BIPV implementation is limited by the remaining barriers as first lacks of awareness and expertise, then perceived risks and lately the gap in digitalization. Continued innovation, integration into building information modelling systems and recognition of BIPV as standard building components are essential for a widespread adoption.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.1038/s44359-025-00059-9

Journal article2025

Economic competitiveness of BIPV in energy sharing configurations across selected European countries

Casalicchio V, Gonnella G, Maturi L, Barchi G

Grazia Barchi, Laura Maturi, Gabriella Gonnella, Valeria Casalicchio

Projekt: IT Ricerca di Sistema B FOURIER - Entwicklung einer Reihe von Photovoltaik Modulen und Systemen für Fassadenanwendungen in mehrstöckigen Gebäuden welche eine schnelle und einfache Anpassung an die individuellen Projekte ermöglichen. , PNRR NEST - Netzwerk 4 Energie - Nachhaltiger Übergang

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) offer a promising solution for enhancing building energy efficiency and advancing the transition to renewable energy, particularly in urban environments where roof space is limited for traditional photovoltaic (PV) installations. However, compared to standard PV, the high installation costs associated with BIPV systems—stemming from their dual function as both architectural elements and energy generators—pose a significant barrier to their widespread adoption. This study examines the economic competitiveness and energy potential of BIPV systems in conjunction with energy-sharing mechanisms within Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) - specifically on a multi-family building scenario. It also assesses the impact of local photovoltaic incentives, in three representative European geo-clusters: Rome (Mediterranean), Vienna (Eastern), and Brussels (Continental Central). These cities were selected for their climatic diversity and recognition as European best practices in implementing provisions for RECs. The analysis compares the performance of BIPV systems with and without energy-sharing, accounting factors such as solar irradiation, financial incentives, and energy self-consumption. In Rome, energy-sharing integration increased the installed BIPV capacity by 70 %, while in Vienna, the increase was 292 % despite the absence of financial incentives. Brussels demonstrated a 59 % increase in installed BIPV capacity without incentives, which surged to 95 % with the introduction of green certificate incentives. These findings suggest that energy-sharing significantly enhances the economic viability of BIPV systems, even in regions with lower solar radiation. Additionally, while the higher upfront costs of BIPV systems can limit their adoption, energy-sharing mechanisms can effectively offset these costs, thereby improving the economic feasibility of BIPV installations.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2025.08.005

Journal article2024

Experimental evaluation of the temperature related behaviour of pigment based coloured BIPV modules integrated in a ventilated façade

Pelle M, Gubert M, Dalla Maria E, Astigarraga A, Avesani S, Maturi L

Martino Gubert, Alexander Astigarraga, Laura Maturi, Enrico Dalla Maria, Martina Pelle

Projekt: PNRR NEST - Netzwerk 4 Energie - Nachhaltiger Übergang, EU H2020 INFINITE - INDUSTRIALISIERTE, HALTBARE GEBÄUDEHÜLLENSANIERUNG DURCH MITEINANDER VERBUNDENE TECHNOLOGIELÖSUNGEN

Coloured BIPV installations require an accurate balance between aesthetic and energy aspects. This study explores the integration of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) modules into building envelopes to enhance energy efficiency while maintaining aesthetic appeal. To achieve this goal, a real-scale mock-up was realized within the INFINITE project at the PV Integration Lab of Eurac Research to investigate the influence of aesthetic features (mainly given by different colors) on the energy performance of BIPV modules. Supported by an extensive monitoring campaign, this work delves into the performance of BIPV modules of five colors and finishes in both indoor and real exposure conditions. These modules serve as the outer layer of a prefabricated rain screen facade for building retrofitting. The study highlights that darker colors exhibit higher efficiency under standard test conditions but are also correlated with higher operating temperatures. Consequently, the differences in energy efficiency among the colors, observed during indoor tests, are significantly reduced when analyzing the energy produced under real exposure conditions. This observation underscores the intricate balance between maximizing energy generation and mitigating thermal stress on BIPV modules, while preserving aesthetic features. By providing empirical evidence of color-specific performance characteristics, this work offers insightful results for colored BIPV research and customized product optimization.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2024.114763

Journal article2023

Opaque Coloured Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV): A Review of Models and Simulation Frameworks for Performance Optimisation

Pelle M, Causone F, Maturi L, Moser D

Laura Maturi, Martina Pelle

Projekt: EU ITA-CH BIPV meets history - Kompetitive Wertschöpfungskette für BIPV Produkte für die Gebäude Sanierung, EU H2020 INFINITE - INDUSTRIALISIERTE, HALTBARE GEBÄUDEHÜLLENSANIERUNG DURCH MITEINANDER VERBUNDENE TECHNOLOGIELÖSUNGEN

Coloured building integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) may contribute to meeting the decarbonisation targets of European and other countries. Nevertheless, their market uptake has been hindered by a lack of social acceptance, technical issues, and low economic profitability. Being able to assess in advance the influence of the coloured layers on a module’s power generation may help reduce the need for prototyping, thereby allowing optimisation of the product performance by reducing the time and costs of customised manufacturing. Therefore, this review aims at investigating the available literature on models and techniques used for assessing the influence of coloured layers on power generation in customised BIPV products. Existing models in the literature use two main approaches: (i) detailed optical modelling of the layers in the module’s stack, including coloured layers, and (ii) mathematical elaboration of the final product’s measured characteristics. Combining the two approaches can provide improved future models, which can accurately assess every single layer in the module’s stack starting from measured parameters obtained with simpler equipment and procedures.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.3390/en16041991

Inbook2022

Building integrated photovoltaic facades: challenges, opportunities and innovations

Frontini F, Bonomo P, Moser D, Maturi L

Laura Maturi

Today building facades are challenged to respond to different needs. Together with passive protection against the weathering agent, the façade can become an active element, producing on-site renewable energy thanks to the integration of photovoltaic (PV) and/or thermal solar systems. This, in turn, can be one of the enabling technologies for the achievement of zero-energy or zero-carbon building targets.

The use of solar technologies as part of the building envelope is becoming more known, but it has not yet become mainstream. Widespread deployment is indeed needed if we want to achieve the renewable energy targets defined by different countries. Despite the recognized potential and the extensive discussion surrounding building-integrated PVs, why is this technology still not widely exploited? What are the main challenges that solar facades still face? And what are the possible disruptive innovations that will overcome current barriers?

This chapter will present the main innovative trends in its technological evolution by tracing the perspectives for the near future in using PV technologies for both opaque and transparent surfaces, to answer the main challenges the solar façade industry is facing today.

The discussion is based on the experiences and results acquired by the authors within various international and European research projects or networks, such as International Energy Agency Tasks.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-822477-9.00012-7

Journal article2022

Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) products and systems: A review of energy-related behavior

Chivelet NM, Kapsis K, Rose Wilson H, Delisle V, Yang R, Olivieri L, Polo J, Eisenlohr J,

Laura Maturi

This paper reviews the main energy-related features of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules and systems, to serve as a reference for researchers, architects, BIPV manufacturers, and BIPV designers. The energy-related behavior of BIPV modules includes thermal, solar, optical and electrical aspects. Suitable standardization to evaluate heat transfer and solar heat gain by BIPV modules still need to be developed further since BIPV elements behave differently to the building elements they substitute. The optical properties of BIPV modules, such as light transmittance or color rendering, also play a role in the search for a good balance between energy saving, electricity generation, aesthetics and visual comfort. However, architecturally adapted BIPV design may affect the electrical performance also, by reducing the efficiency of BIPV modules and systems compared to standard photovoltaic (PV) ones. This is not the sole challenge for the electrical designers, as the special operating conditions of BIPV systems such as non-homogeneous irradiance complicate the electrical design and the forecasting of BIPV performance. The aim of this review is to present the current state of knowledge of the aspects mentioned above, to promote continued progress in BIPV and to inform suitable standardization efforts.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2022.111998

Conference proceedings article2021

Evaluating the Impact of Climate Change on the Techno-Economic Performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaics Systems in Protected Contexts

Pelle M, Dallapiccola M, Tatti A, Causone F, Maturi L, Moser D

Laura Maturi, Martina Pelle

Projekt: EU ITA-CH BIPV meets history - Kompetitive Wertschöpfungskette für BIPV Produkte für die Gebäude Sanierung

BIPV (building-integrated photovoltaics) technologies may play a key role in the transition towards low-carbon energy communities. A relevant aspect to consider to correctly assessing the techno-economic and environmental performance of BIPV applications is the dynamic variation of the climate boundaries conditions during the entire systems’ lifespan. This study provides an innovative approach to optimize BIPV applications in the early design phase. By using a real case study, that consists of four residential buildings, located in Milan, Italy, including about 142 residential units, simulations have been run with two different weather datasets, one representative of the current weather conditions and one representative of their projection in 2050, to investigate the possible impacts of climate change on some relevant key performance indicators (KPIs), with a particular focus on the minimization of the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). This approach is meant to foster a more accurate design of BIPV systems in urban contexts. Results show that the LCOE decreases by almost 50% from 2020 to 2050 optimizations, and the self-sufficiency target is guaranteed with a smaller installed PV capacity.

DOI

DOI: 10.4229/EUPVSEC20212021-7DV.1.2

Conference proceedings article2021

Experimental Assessment and Data Analysis of Colored Photovoltaic in the Field of BIPV Technology Application

Roverso R, Pelle M, Dallapiccola M, Astigarraga A, Lucchi E, Ingenhoven P, Maturi L

Alexander Astigarraga, Laura Maturi, Martina Pelle

Projekt: EU H2020 INFINITE - INDUSTRIALISIERTE, HALTBARE GEBÄUDEHÜLLENSANIERUNG DURCH MITEINANDER VERBUNDENE TECHNOLOGIELÖSUNGEN

Temperature of PV modules always has been a key parameter in order to understand and predict the efficiency of PV technologies. In this work, the analysis of the temperature trend of a selected set of colored BIPV modules is performed, with the aim of correlating the irradiance recorded through a pyranometer to the temperature of the modules, recorded through Pt100 temperature sensors. A description of the different aspects of BIPV concept is provided, and a simulation strategy is introduced to understand the power loss due to the presence of colored layer on the modules’ front glass. Furthermore, test facilities available at Eurac Research laboratories and the equipment used during the test campaign are described. As metric of measures, the Ross coefficient k is used to correlate the different PV systems to the temperature rise. The values found after a data calibration and filtering procedure are elaborated and compared with the outcomes of a standard not-colored BIPV installation, located in Bolzano. The modules’ temperature measured through Pt100 sensors have been then compared with the results of a thermographic analysis.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.4229/EUPVSEC20212021-6DO.7.1

Journal article2020

Coloured BIPV Technologies: Methodological and Experimental Assessment for Architecturally Sensitive Areas

Pelle M, Lucchi E, Maturi L, Astigarraga A, Causone F

Alexander Astigarraga, Laura Maturi, Martina Pelle

Projekt: EU ITA-CH BIPV meets history - Kompetitive Wertschöpfungskette für BIPV Produkte für die Gebäude Sanierung

Energy flexibility in buildings is gaining momentum with the introduction of new European directives that enable buildings to manage their own energy demand and production, by storing, consuming or selling electricity according to their need. The transition towards a low-carbon energy system, through the promotion of on-site energy production and enhancement of self-consumption, can be supported by building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) technologies. This paper investigates the aesthetic and technological integration of hidden coloured PV modules in architecturally sensitive areas that seem to be the best possibility to favour a balance between conservation and energy issues. First, a multidisciplinary methodology for evaluating the aesthetic and technical integration of PV systems in architecturally sensitive area is proposed, referring to the technologies available on the market. Second, the experimental characterisation of the technical performance specific BIPV modules and their comparison with standard modules under standard weather condition are analysed, with the aim of acquiring useful data for comparing the modules’ integration properties and performance. For this purpose, new testbeds have been set up to investigate the aesthetic integration and the energy performances of innovative BIPV products. The paper describes the analyses carried out to define the final configuration of these experimental testbeds. Finally, the experimental characterisation at standard test conditions of two coloured BIPV modules is presented and the experimental design for the outdoor testing is outlined.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.3390/en13174506

Journal article2020

Optimal Simulation of Three Peer to Peer (P2P) Business Models for Individual PV Prosumers in a Local Electricity Market Using Agent-Based Modelling

Lovati M, Zhang X, Huang P, Olsmats C, Maturi L

Laura Maturi

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is becoming one of the most significant renewable sources for positive energy district (PED) in Sweden. The lacks of innovative business models and financing mechanisms are the main constraints for PV’s deployment installed in local community. This paper therefore proposes a peer-to-peer (P2P) business model for 48 individual building prosumers with PV installed in a Swedish community. It considers energy use behaviour, electricity/financial flows, ownerships and trading rules in a local electricity market. Different local electricity markets are designed and studied using agent-based modelling technique, with different energy demands, cost–benefit schemes and financial hypotheses for an optimal evaluation. This paper provides an early insight into a vast research space, i.e., the operation of an energy system through the constrained interaction of its constituting agents. The agents (48 households) show varying abilities in exploiting the common PV resource, as they achieve very heterogeneous self-sufficiency levels (from ca. 15% to 30%). The lack of demand side management suggests that social and lifestyle differences generate huge impacts on the ability to be self-sufficient with a shared, limited PV resource. Despite the differences in self-sufficiency, the sheer energy amount obtained from the shared PV correlates mainly with annual cumulative demand.

DOI

DOI: 10.3390/buildings10080138

Technische
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Journal article2025

Economic competitiveness of BIPV in energy sharing configurations across selected European countries

Casalicchio V, Gonnella G, Maturi L, Barchi G

Grazia Barchi, Laura Maturi, Gabriella Gonnella, Valeria Casalicchio

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2025.08.005

Laura Maturi

About

Scientific Publications

Advancing BIPV: Shingled HJT Technology for High-Efficiency and Aesthetic Solar Integration

BREEZE Project: Advancing PV Implementation in Building Renovations

Building-integrated photovoltaics

Economic competitiveness of BIPV in energy sharing configurations across selected European countries

Experimental evaluation of the temperature related behaviour of pigment based coloured BIPV modules integrated in a ventilated façade

Opaque Coloured Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV): A Review of Models and Simulation Frameworks for Performance Optimisation

Building integrated photovoltaic facades: challenges, opportunities and innovations

Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) products and systems: A review of energy-related behavior

Evaluating the Impact of Climate Change on the Techno-Economic Performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaics Systems in Protected Contexts

Experimental Assessment and Data Analysis of Colored Photovoltaic in the Field of BIPV Technology Application

Coloured BIPV Technologies: Methodological and Experimental Assessment for Architecturally Sensitive Areas

Optimal Simulation of Three Peer to Peer (P2P) Business Models for Individual PV Prosumers in a Local Electricity Market Using Agent-Based Modelling

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Externe Inhalte

Scientific Publications

Advancing BIPV: Shingled HJT Technology for High-Efficiency and Aesthetic Solar Integration

BREEZE Project: Advancing PV Implementation in Building Renovations

Building-integrated photovoltaics

Economic competitiveness of BIPV in energy sharing configurations across selected European countries

Experimental evaluation of the temperature related behaviour of pigment based coloured BIPV modules integrated in a ventilated façade

Opaque Coloured Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV): A Review of Models and Simulation Frameworks for Performance Optimisation

Building integrated photovoltaic facades: challenges, opportunities and innovations

Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) products and systems: A review of energy-related behavior

Evaluating the Impact of Climate Change on the Techno-Economic Performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaics Systems in Protected Contexts

Experimental Assessment and Data Analysis of Colored Photovoltaic in the Field of BIPV Technology Application

Coloured BIPV Technologies: Methodological and Experimental Assessment for Architecturally Sensitive Areas

Optimal Simulation of Three Peer to Peer (P2P) Business Models for Individual PV Prosumers in a Local Electricity Market Using Agent-Based Modelling