Italian Architectural Heritage and Photovoltaic Systems. Matching Style with Sustainability

Rehabilitation and management of pre-industrial architectural heritage over time has played a central role in the international scientific debate since 1970s. In light experience gained this field, challenge controlled consistent integration Renewable Energy Sources (RES) requires careful reflection on compatibility criteria between new technologies traditional building’s identity. Several these technologies, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems, need to be placed building envelope or appropriate outdoor areas, altering image landscape. Therefore, characteristics each its context should lead designers choose solutions able balance for increased energy production from RES with preserving identity A preliminary evaluation rehabilitation projects allows improve sustainability and, meanwhile, prevent any irreversible alteration cultural heritage. With reference Italian case studies guidelines improving production, paper leads identify introduction PV systems buildings. Such criteria, which are based values, allow assessing consistency conservation issues, involving generally, solar that integrated envelope.