Multi-dimensional Comparative Analysis of Conventional Photovoltaics and BIPV

The following is a multi-dimensional comparative analysis of conventional photovoltaics and BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) in terms of market, logic, etc., mainly combining their technology, economics, application scenarios, and future trends:

I. Core Logical Differences

1. Functional Positioning  

Conventional Photovoltaics: Power generation is the core goal. It is installed as an additional device on the surface of buildings or on the ground without altering the original building structure. It is a "retrofitted" energy system.  

BIPV: It is both a power generation device and part of the building structure (such as roofs and curtain walls). It needs to be carried out synchronously with building design to achieve deep integration of power generation and building functions (such as waterproofing, heat insulation, and decoration).  

2. Market Driving Factors  

Conventional Photovoltaics: It relies on photovoltaic power generation subsidies, energy demand growth, and large-scale cost reduction. It is suitable for centralized power stations or commercial rooftops.  

BIPV: Driven by green building policies (such as zero-carbon building standards) and building energy efficiency regulations, it focuses more on the low-carbon transformation needs of the construction industry.  

3. Industry Chain Integration  

Conventional Photovoltaics: The industry chain is concentrated in photovoltaic component manufacturing, inverters, and power station development, with energy companies as the main participants.  

BIPV: Requires collaboration between the construction and photovoltaic industries, involving building materials companies (such as curtain wall companies), system integrators, and architectural design institutes.  

II. Comparison of Technology and Economics

III. Current Market Situation and Trends

Conventional Photovoltaic Market:Globally, the photovoltaic industry continues to maintain strong growth momentum. It is estimated that the global photovoltaic component industry market size will reach 580.3 billion RMB in 2024, and the compound annual growth rate in the next five years is expected to be about 8.19%, with a slowdown in growth rate. As one of the world's largest photovoltaic markets, China's market size maintains a rapid growth trend. According to data, the initial investment scale of China's offshore photovoltaic industry in 2024 is expected to reach 96 billion RMB, a significant increase from the previous year. In terms of the entire photovoltaic industry chain, the market size of China's photovoltaic component industry in 2024 is expected to reach 551 billion RMB. Although the compound annual growth rate in the next five years is about -2.16%, this figure still reflects the huge market size and influence. In addition, in terms of installed capacity, by the end of August 2024, China's cumulative grid-connected photovoltaic capacity has reached 723.61 GW, exceeding the installed capacity of hydropower, and continues to consolidate its position as the second largest power source.BIPV:By 2024, the global BIPV market size is expected to reach US$6.31 billion, and is expected to grow to US$12.59 billion at a compound annual growth rate of 14.79% over the next five years. At the same time, reports indicate that the size of China's BIPV market in 2024 may be close to 50 billion RMB, with a compound annual growth rate of about 58% compared to 2020. 2025 Forecast: Forecasts for 2025 show that the BIPV market will further expand. It is estimated that by then, the global total installed capacity of BIPV will reach about 23.66 GW, a significant increase from the 2020 level3. In the Chinese market, data released by Longfor Investment shows that the total market space for photovoltaic buildings in 2025 is expected to be 423.6 billion RMB, of which the overall penetration rate of BIPV will rapidly approach 20%, generating a market size of 86.6 billion RMB. Long-term Outlook: In the longer term, the potential of the BIPV market is huge. It is predicted that by 2030, the size of China's BIPV market may reach around 400 billion RMB. Another study is more optimistic, estimating that by the end of 2036, the global BIPV market size may exceed US$247.94 billion, with a compound annual growth rate exceeding 19.7%.

IV. Core Differences between BIPV and Conventional Photovoltaics

Demand Side:BIPV targets the green and low-carbon transformation of the construction industry, while conventional photovoltaics focus on energy substitution.  Technology Side:BIPV is an interdisciplinary innovation of materials science and architectural design, while conventional photovoltaics are the large-scale application of single energy technologies.  Business Model:BIPV requires joint investment from builders, design institutes, developers, and photovoltaic companies, while conventional photovoltaics are mainly led by power plant operators.  Although photovoltaics and BIPV take completely different routes, both serve the goals of green energy and sustainable development. The financial attributes of photovoltaics give it an important position in the energy sector, while the building materials attributes of BIPV give it unique advantages in the construction sector. Looking forward, BIPV will become a key path for "carbon neutrality" in urban buildings, while conventional photovoltaics will continue to dominate centralized energy supply, and the two may complement each other in distributed energy scenarios.