From Blue to Green: How BIPV is Disrupting Skyscrapers

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) serve a dual role as building elements and power sources.

We predict that by2028the year,BIPVthe global10market will reach over gigawatts, primarily driven by China, Europe, East Asia, and North America.

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVBIPV is a solar photovoltaic component used to replace traditional building materials in parts of the building envelope (such as roofs, skylights, or facades).BIPVIt has a dual function: serving as both a building element and a power source, transforming building surfaces into power-generating assets.

 

According to our estimates, the globalBIPVdeployment volume will grow at a compound annual growth rate (30%CAGR) fromgigawatts in2022to gigawatts. This growth is driven by government regulations on photovoltaic systems for new and renovated buildings, as well as incentives such as photovoltaic feed-in tariff programs (like net metering, feed-in tariffs) and high electricity costs, which make on-site power consumption feasible.2.2China, Europe, East Asia, and North America are expected to become the leaders in the market, with annual installations in each region exceeding gigawatts by2028to gigawatts. This growth is driven by government regulations on photovoltaic systems for new and renovated buildings, as well as incentives such as photovoltaic feed-in tariff programs (like net metering, feed-in tariffs) and high electricity costs, which make on-site power consumption feasible.10.6the year.

All regions are in the early stages of deployment, with double-digit growth rates expected in the next five years. Industry participants are collaborating with construction companies and architects to customize solutions based on regional demand.BIPVGovernments are incentivizing energy efficiency and zero-energy building policies for new and renovated buildings through measures such as tax credits (like VAT reductions, investment tax credits) and subsidies (like capital expenditure subsidies).2028However,1there are differences compared to traditional photovoltaics in terms of stakeholders involved, the range of available technologies, pricing strategies, and economic attractiveness, which we will discuss later.BIPVKey stakeholdersBIPVThe success of a project depends on collaboration among multiple stakeholders, with architects being one of the primary stakeholders and a key link to other major stakeholders such as manufacturers and construction contractors. Architects also ensure compliance with regional building and electrical codes, propose building integration concepts, and guide product selection.

From our observations,BIPVthe success of a project depends on the involvement of all stakeholders during the building development phase rather than during the renovation phase. However, coordinating the development timelines of buildings and systems can be a challenge.

BIPVDiversity of products

BIPVUnlike traditional photovoltaics,BIPVthere is a range of products from rooftop to facade solutions, from colored to transparent solutions. The fit of products with customers depends on customer segmentation.BIPVThere are various products available in the market. The assessment of product fit with customers is primarily guided by three parameters: building topology (roofs vs. facades, varying by geography), photovoltaic technology (crystalline silicon vs. thin film), and covering materials (insulation and visual properties, transparent, semi-transparent, and opaque). Each customer segment (such as small commercial buildings, parking lots, multi-family apartments, etc.) has its own reasons for selecting products. This highlights the importance of a targeted approach taken by module manufacturers and architects when customizing products and services for specific customer groups.

Color solutions and technologyBIPVColor technology enables module manufacturers to differentiate their products and achieve a premium, thereby distinguishing them from traditional rooftop photovoltaics that are viewed as commodities. As long as the relevantBIPVproducts are certified and comply with building and electrical codes, the premium is driven by aesthetic factors (such as color, appearance) and technical factors (such as transparency loss, capacity).

BIPVSeveral module and glass manufacturers, chemical companies, construction companies, and research institutions are actively innovating new color technologies to differentiate their

products.BIPVAmong the different color technologies, ceramic pigments, interference pigments, and vacuum sputtering are expected to dominate the market, each with aesthetic, technical, and cost considerations.

The application of color in solar glass involves a rather complex concept. However, it is expected that these three well-known color technologies will cover a significant share of today's and future markets.BIPVEconomic feasibilityBIPVDue to economic feasibility,

it may not be widely adopted by all customer groups. However, there are always some customer groups that prioritize factors beyond economics. Therefore,

the economic feasibility depends on multiple factors, such as building layout, savings on envelope materials, electricity costs, photovoltaic incentives, solar exposure, and transparency loss of color technology. AsBIPVsystems become more standardized and production volumes increase, cost reductions are expected to improve economic feasibility and lower costs.BIPVAlthoughBIPVmay not always be economically attractive, certain projects prioritize aesthetic and sustainability goals over economic feasibility (such as historical buildings).

Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (BIPVGCC

) region is suitable for iconicBIPVprojects.

Currently, the United Arab Emirates is leading in regional90%projects. However, as

BIPV与经济可行性

由于经济可行性，BIPV可能不会被所有客户群体广泛采用。然而，总有一些客户群体优先考虑经济以外的因素。因此，BIPV的经济可行性取决于多个因素，如建筑布局、围护材料节省、电费、光伏激励措施、太阳能暴露和色彩技术的透明度损失。随着BIPV系统变得更加标准化且生产量增加，预计成本降低将提高经济可行性并降低成本。

尽管BIPV可能并不总是具有经济吸引力，但某些项目会优先考虑美学和可持续性目标而非经济可行性（如历史建筑）。

沙特阿拉伯和海湾合作委员会（GCC）地区适合标志性BIPV项目

目前，阿拉伯联合酋长国在区域BIPV项目中处于领先地位。然而，随着2030Vision"and the outcomes of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) will gain momentum, we expect projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE to grow. Saudi Arabia andGCC'sBIPVprojects mainly target iconic projects, and it is expected that by2028the annual market size will be less than100megawatts. These projects are expected to involve stakeholders from around the world, leveragingCOPandEXPOand other events as well asNEOMand Masdar City and other locations.

However, the aforementioned market size may be conservative, as we believe regional projects may prioritize visibility over economic feasibility. Given the abundant solar radiation in the region and minimal cloud cover, combined with the alignment of peak solar hours with peak air conditioning usage, there is potential for achieving economic feasibility through self-consumption. We expectGCCcommercial buildings, especially those facing higher electricity costs and allocating funds for sustainable building projects, to become early adopters.

To accelerateGCCthe deployment in the region, we expect the following drivers to play a role:BIPVDeveloping regional expertise: Establishing local

• supply chains and skilled labor to deploy projects. Currently, due to limited local experience, many projects are subcontracted to European consulting firms, leading to extended project timelines and increased costs.BIPVClear policy guidelines: Streamlining the approval process for construction and electrical specifications of
• projects. Additionally, clarifying whether countries are eligible for photovoltaic power generation remuneration programs (if applicable).BIPVTransitioning to cost-reflective electricity pricing: Countries need to gradually adopt cost-reflective electricity pricing to justify higher initialGCCinvestments by shortening payback periods.BIPVSummary
• has a premium compared to traditional photovoltaics, becoming a key discussion point in the construction industry. Architects are becoming increasingly familiar with this concept, and module manufacturers are collaborating with construction companies to develop products tailored to specific regions. Ongoing technological innovations aim to create products that adopt new color technologies to balance aesthetics, cost, and performance.BIPVAdoption of

requires careful assessment of each customer group. In most markets, high-rise commercial buildings are expected to be early adopters of facade solutions, while in certain markets, residential buildings may lead due to frequent roof replacements.

BIPVIn

BIPVthe region, there is a strong emphasis on iconic projects. Additionally, policy changes in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, such as zero-energy building initiatives and cost-reflective electricity pricing, are expected to enhance the economic feasibility of the region.

How can we help you?GCCWe are a technology consulting firm focused on renewable energy and clean technology. We provide a comprehensive, growth-oriented consulting service for the alternative energy industry, serving companies and project parties. We offer top-notch services forBIPVprojects, such as technology selection and economic attractiveness analysis. Let us prepare and execute your next business transaction or design a specialized high-impact business model that drives the energy transition while creating growth and profitability for your organization and its stakeholders.

As a zero-carbon expert, I deeply understand

the importance of promoting green low-carbon building development. Through my self-media platform, I will continue to translate and disseminate this expertise, inspiring more people to pay attention to energy conservation and carbon reduction, and jointly contribute to the sustainable development of the Earth.BIPV项目提供一流的服务，如技术选择和经济吸引力分析。让我们为您准备和执行下一项商业交易，或设计一种专门的高影响力商业模式，推动能源转型，同时为您的组织及其利益相关者创造增长和盈利。

作为零碳达人立青，我深知BIPV在推动绿色低碳建筑发展中的重要性。通过我的自媒体平台，我将继续翻译和传播这些专业知识，激发更多人对节能降碳的关注，共同为地球的可持续发展贡献力量。