Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Technology (Crystalline Silicon, Thin Film, and Others), By Application (Roofs, Walls, Glass, Façade, and Others), By End-Use (Residential, Commercial, and Industrial), By Region, Competition 2018-2028

Market Overview

Global Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Market

Building-integrated photovoltaics are also a type of solar PV modules used in the building’s exteriors such as rooftops, windows and curtain walls. Building-integrated photovoltaics help in maintaining the economy as well as the appearance of the building. The building-integrated photovoltaics are used as replacements for the conventional building materials in both commercials as well as residential constructions.

Key Market Drivers

The global Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) market is a critical sector that plays a The rapid expansion of the solar photovoltaic (PV) installation capacities of different countries, coupled with increasing demand for renewable energy sources, is expected to drive the growth of solar panel market across the world. Increased awareness for energy security and self-sufficiency and favorable government legislations, coupled with the unilateral obligation of countries such as Germany, Italy, France, the UK, the U.S., China, Japan, and India to the Kyoto Protocol, designated to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, are also expected to promote the growth of the market in the coming years.

The government of France offers the highest FiTs for electricity generated through photovoltaic components, which are essentially integrated into buildings. Capacity generated by photovoltaics integrated into building envelopes accounts for a substantial share of the overall accumulated, installed capacity generated by photovoltaics in the country. The country offers high subsidies and benefits pertaining to the use of building integrated photovoltaics in a bid to encourage such installations in the country. The building-integrated photovoltaics can be classified on the basis of module type, application, and end-use. By module type, building-integrated photovoltaics are divided as monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film and others. The monocrystalline building-integrated photovoltaics have higher module efficiency compared to the polycrystalline photovoltaics. Building-integrated photovoltaics are used in industrial, commercial as well as residential buildings. Wherein, they are used for rooftop, curtail wall, glass, and facade among other applications. Increasing awareness and incentives for the use of renewable energy sources have been the key factors to attract the attention of people towards building-integrated photovoltaics. Building-integrated photovoltaics not only maintain but also improve the exterior appearance of the building. The building-integrated photovoltaics generate power which can be used to meet the energy requirement of the building. Owing to which the building-integrated photovoltaics market is expected to witness a boom in the near future. However, the capital requirement for the installation of building-integrated PV modules is higher as compared to the traditional PV modules which are expected to retard the growth of building-integrated photovoltaics.

Key Market Challenges

One of the foremost challenges in the Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) market is The global Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) market is at the forefront of renewable energy innovation, offering a sustainable solution for clean electricity generation while seamlessly integrating with building designs. However, like any rapidly evolving industry, the BIPV market faces several challenges that must be addressed to ensure its continued growth and effectiveness in contributing to sustainable building practices. In this comprehensive analysis, we will explore the key challenges confronting the BIPV market and the strategies being employed to overcome them. One of the most significant challenges in the adoption of BIPV systems is the high initial cost of installation. The cost per watt of BIPV modules is often higher compared to traditional solar panels, making it a substantial upfront investment for builders and property owners. High initial costs can deter potential adopters, especially in regions with limited financial incentives or where the cost of electricity from conventional sources is relatively low. This can slow down the adoption rate of BIPV technology. BIPV systems are expected to seamlessly integrate with building designs while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Achieving this integration can be challenging, as it requires collaboration between architects, designers, and BIPV manufacturers to develop customized solutions that meet both energy generation and design requirements. Collaboration between architects and BIPV manufacturers is crucial to develop aesthetically pleasing and functional BIPV solutions. Manufacturers are investing in research and development to create innovative BIPV products that can blend harmoniously with various architectural styles. Customization options and design flexibility are also being emphasized to meet the diverse needs of building projects.

Technological Efficiency and Performance

The efficiency and performance of BIPV systems must match or exceed that of traditional solar panels. Achieving high conversion efficiency while maintaining architectural integration and design can be technically challenging. Ongoing research and development efforts are focused on improving the efficiency of BIPV modules, making them competitive with traditional solar panels. Innovative technologies, such as transparent solar panels and multi-functional BIPV solutions, are being explored to maximize energy generation while meeting architectural and design criteria.

Durability and Longevity

BIPV systems must demonstrate durability and longevity to provide a reliable and long-term source of clean energy. Exposure to the elements, including UV radiation, rain, and temperature fluctuations, can affect the performance and lifespan of BIPV components. BIPV manufacturers are investing in materials and coatings that enhance the durability and weather resistance of their products. Quality control measures, standardized testing protocols, and warranty programs are being implemented to assure customers of the longevity and reliability of BIPV systems.

Key Market Trends

Technological Advancements in BIPV Modules

The global Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) market is experiencing a transformative evolution driven by technological advancements, environmental consciousness, and the increasing demand for sustainable building solutions. BIPV systems have emerged as a key player in the renewable energy landscape, offering a seamless integration of solar energy generation into building structures. In this comprehensive analysis, we will explore the prominent trends shaping the global BIPV market and their profound impact on sustainable building practices. The rapid progress in solar PV technology has led to the development of advanced BIPV modules with improved energy conversion efficiency. High-efficiency solar cells, such as PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) and bifacial solar cells, are being integrated into BIPV products, allowing for higher energy yields from limited surface areas. Moreover, transparent solar panels and solar glass are becoming increasingly popular, enabling architects to incorporate solar elements into windows, facades, and roofing materials without sacrificing natural light or aesthetics. Enhanced BIPV module technology is instrumental in boosting the overall performance of BIPV systems. It enables buildings to generate more clean energy while maintaining architectural aesthetics. As a result, BIPV systems are more attractive to designers and developers seeking sustainable solutions.

Solar Energy Harvesting from Multiple Building Elements

BIPV is expanding beyond traditional solar panels to encompass multiple building elements, including windows, facades, roofing, and shading systems. BIPV technology is evolving to harness solar energy from various building components, transforming them into energy generators. Solar windows, for instance, incorporate transparent solar cells that allow natural light to pass through while generating electricity. Similarly, solar shingles and solar roofing materials are designed to replace conventional roofing materials while producing clean energy. This diversification of BIPV applications offers architects and builders more flexibility in integrating solar solutions into their designs. The ability to harvest solar energy from multiple building elements enhances the overall energy generation capacity of structures, making BIPV even more appealing for sustainable building projects. It enables buildings to maximize their energy production potential while maintaining architectural aesthetics.

Segmental Insights

Technology Insights

Crystalline silicon segment led the market and accounted for 70% of the global revenue share in 2022. Crystalline silicon cells can be integrated into building roofs by using smart mounting systems, which replace the sections of the roof while keeping its integrity intact. This type of integration does not account for large investments and provides high efficiency. Another option of integration is the replacement of roof tiles with crystalline silicon cells. In addition, the market witnesses the use of anti-reflective coatings, which aid the capture of solar energy and provide superior efficiency. Crystalline silicon has the highest energy conversion efficiency at present; commercial modules typically convert 13%–21% of the incident sunlight into electricity.

Application Insight

Others application segment include shading and membranes. The demand for such products is high in residential installations due to the development of lightweight materials for use in uneven surfaces. The installations do not generally use crystalline silicon photovoltaic module, as the structure is incapable of supporting heavy weight.

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Regional Insights

The Europe region has established itself as the leader in the Global Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Market with a significant revenue share in 2022

Recent Developments

In June 2019, a German company TS Solar GmbH claimed that its thin-film cadmium-tellurium PV modules have achieved the efficiency of the crystalline modules.

In June 2019, a building-integrated photovoltaics manufacturer midsummer installed its first integrated solar cell roof in Sweden. Midsummer offers equipment for manufacturing of thin-film solar cells.

In June 2019, ICC Evaluation service issued a certification to Tesla Inc. for the solar roof system which is composed of electrically active BIPV and nonBIPV roof tiles.

Key Market Players

• First Solar, Inc
• Solaria Corporation
• SunPower Corporation
• Hanergy Thin Film Power Group
• Trina Solar
• Onyx Solar
• Dow Solar
• Tesla, Inc.
• Canadian Solar
• Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.