BIPV Colored Photovoltaic Modules and Market Applications: The Rise of Chinese Technology

Driven by global carbon neutrality goals, Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) technology is becoming an important innovative force in the field of green buildings. Recently, scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany developed a type of colored photovoltaic module that can generate electricity efficiently and is almost invisible by mimicking the 3D photonic structure of the large butterfly. This innovation strikes a balance between aesthetics and energy output. However, compared to this, China's BIPV products and technologies demonstrate more advanced technological achievements and market adaptability.

Image: Fraunhofer ISE

2024In a joint study conducted by the Freiburg University Institute of Psychology and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, the social acceptance of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) was explored. The study found that urban areas generally have a high acceptance of integrated photovoltaics, especially when the color of the photovoltaic modules matches the roof or facade of the building, the social acceptance significantly increases.Research shows that building type and visual impression are key factors affecting the social acceptance of photovoltaic systems.Colored photovoltaic modules visually integrate into buildings, which can enhance public acceptance and promote the popularization of BIPV technology. Today, 75% of photovoltaic installations in Germany are located on buildings. The photovoltaic building market is continuously growing, with huge potential. By 2040, Germany will need about 400GW of photovoltaic generation capacity to successfully achieve energy transition. The potential for photovoltaic generation technology on buildings is about 1000GW, which can make a significant contribution to the decarbonization of the construction industry and existing infrastructure without occupying additional land.

Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany draw inspiration from nature to develop colored photovoltaic modules that can seamlessly blend with the appearance of buildings while maintaining high efficiency. The glass back of these modules uses a vacuum process to apply a surface structure similar to that of the large butterfly wings, achieving an angle-stable color effect. Compared to the significant progress made in aesthetics and efficiency in Germany, China's BIPV technology and products have developed at an unprecedented speed. Taking Longyan Energy, a leader in domestic cadmium telluride thin-film solar photovoltaic technology and the BIPV industry, as an example, after years of market project accumulation and product technology iteration, it has developed eight major categories of photovoltaic building materials. These products not only allow flexible customization of colors and patterns but also perform excellently in terms of power generation efficiency and economy. Further reading:Case Sharing | The Colorful World of Photovoltaic Glass in BIPV ProjectsBIPV || Customization and Aesthetic Innovation of Photovoltaic Building Material ProductsCustomized Design of Photovoltaic Curtain Walls: The Artistic Integration of Color, Texture, and TransparencyTheir latest Yicai products perfectly integrate color and power generation functions, showcasing China's leading position in BIPV technology. The Yicai products use Longyan's unique vacuum coating technology to form a nanoscale film on the glass surface, which not only has vibrant and durable colors but also increases light transmittance to more than double that of traditional colored glazed glass processes. This groundbreaking design effectively resolves the contradiction between color and power generation efficiency in conventional BIPV products, allowing buildings to maintain aesthetic appeal while fully enjoying the green energy brought by photovoltaic power generation.

Yicai products can be widely applied in BIPV scenarios such as building facade curtain walls, shading, and roofs. It is understood that Yicai products show significant advantages in production costs, color appearance, and power generation capabilities. They not only abandon traditional colored glazed glass processes but also achieve diverse color presentations through different material coating technologies, while ensuring excellent power generation performance. In addition, the economic performance of Yicai products is also remarkable, with investment costs reaching a level that can attract third-party investment (with incremental investment costs recoverable in as little as three years), meaning that construction projects can choose financing methods more flexibly when adopting Yicai products, reducing overall costs. Longyan Energy's cadmium telluride photovoltaic building material products have been successfully applied in over 200 BIPV projects worldwide, including photovoltaic curtain walls on building facades, photovoltaic skylights and tiles on building roofs, and photovoltaic sunrooms in residences. These projects not only showcase the diversity and adaptability of photovoltaic building material products but also prove the enormous potential of BIPV technology in the field of green buildings.

BIPVThe application scenarios of the technology are extensive, including rooftop systems, curtain walls and facades, windows and shading, special structures, and urban facilities. These applications not only meet the energy needs of buildings but also enhance the aesthetics and functionality of buildings. The diverse application scenarios demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability of BIPV technology. Governments around the world are introducing supportive policies to promote the development of BIPV technology. For example, China has set a target of 50% photovoltaic coverage for new public institution buildings and factory rooftops by 2025, along with financial subsidies and tax incentives. Policy support is an important factor driving the development of the BIPV market. The government's proactive measures will reduce the investment costs for enterprises, stimulate market vitality, and promote the widespread application of BIPV technology. It is expected that by 2030, the global BIPV market size will reach $300 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of over 20%. The scale of the Chinese market is expected to reach 400 billion yuan, showing enormous market potential. The rapid growth of the market reflects the great potential of BIPV technology and policy support. With the promotion of government policies and the increase in market demand, the BIPV industry will usher in a broader development prospect.