Next-generation BIPV window products let the sunshine into your house!

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV): The future trend of green and low-carbon buildings

Since Neanderthals, a type of prehistoric human, sought sunny spots in caves to rest, leaning against sun-warmed rocks, the comforting power of solar energy has been recognized by humankind. In recent years, driven by both environmental concerns and economic factors, we are seeking technological advancements to make buildings not only our shelters but also our power plants. Solar panels excel at generating electricity, but they are limited by space, mostly installed on rooftops, and are not usually considered aesthetically pleasing elements of buildings.

This is where building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) come into play. These dual-purpose building materials (such as tiles, cladding, and windows) seamlessly integrate photovoltaic technology, maximizing the electricity generation potential of buildings. As building materials, they maintain (or even enhance) the aesthetics of the building, rather than detracting from it.

The Breakthrough of Transparent Photovoltaics

A decade ago, the University of Michigan developed the first transparent photovoltaic cells, but their efficiency was below 5%, and light transmittance was only about 30%. Since then, advancements in design and materials have significantly improved the efficiency and transparency of solar glass, greatly expanding its Applications and promoting the popularization of BIPV windows. Stellaris has developed a transparent window using the same cells as 90% of solar panels, which reportedly generates almost as much electricity annually as opaque high-efficiency solar panels and five times more than competitors. In addition, the window's design limits direct sunlight from Entering in the summer and allows sunlight to Enter during colder months, thus reducing heating and cooling costs. The company has launched a crowdfunding campaign to commercialize the product, raising nearly $250,000 in a week.

ClearVue PV's Solar Glass

ClearVue PV produces solar glass with a visible light transmittance (VLT) of up to 70%, meeting the standards of ordinary double-glazed windows. The peak output of its windows can reach 30 watts per square meter. The company also produces a range of other BIPV products, such as solar cladding, fascias, and skylights.

Onyx Solar's Global Projects

Onyx Solar has completed over 350 projects in 60 countries, integrating transparent photovoltaic glass for large companies such as Samsung, Coca-Cola, and HP, as well as landmarks such as Tanjong Pagar Centre, the tallest building in Singapore. Their photovoltaic glass not only generates clean electricity but also provides insulation and soundproofing. The glass panels are made of heat-strengthened safety glass and are installed similarly to traditional glass panels. The company produces amorphous silicon glass and crystalline silicon panels. The latter generates twice as much electricity as amorphous silicon glass under direct sunlight and is suitable for buildings with ample sunlight and maximum power output requirements. In hot and cloudy areas, amorphous silicon glass performs better in terms of power generation.

Polysolar's Diversified Products

The UK-based company Polysolar has been producing photovoltaic materials for 15 years, offering a range of BIPV products, including transparent photovoltaic glass, solar carports, skylights, and facades. They also produce agrivoltaics products, which, in addition to a range of other benefits (such as blocking harmful ultraviolet rays, maintaining temperature stability, and bringing direct financial returns), are said to have a marginal impact on yield.

Mitrex's High-Quality Service

Mitrex, based in Ontario, Canada, is a leading BIPV company that offers single, double, and triple-glazed glass that can be seamlessly integrated into buildings, with varying degrees of transparency. Their products primarily target the residential market, with power outputs ranging from 310 watts to 405 watts and efficiencies between 15% and 21%. The company has provided solar panels for the facades of many well-known buildings, including the University of Toronto and the Alberta Hospital, and has successfully obtained ISO certification, demonstrating its firm commitment to providing high-quality materials and services to its clients.

Brite's Agrivoltaic Expertise

Brite focuses on the field of agrivoltaics. The greenhouse glass they produce has multiple Applications: power generation, protecting crops from harsh weather, and reducing the amount of water needed for crop growth. They produce glass for both greenhouse and open-field Applications.

Long-Term Benefits of BIPV and Government Incentives

Buildings that incorporate BIPV in their design and construction will, in the long run, see the electricity generated handsomely repay the initial installation costs. The introduction of BIPV also reduces the electricity consumption needed to control the temperature inside the building, as transparent photovoltaic panels can regulate the amount of sunlight Entering the building, making it cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

The Canadian government offers a 30% refundable investment tax credit, the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (CTITC), aimed at promoting the adoption of clean technologies such as BIPV and helping the country achieve its 2050 net-zero emissions target. To learn about the full range of incentives available to Canadian building owners, please refer to our Guide to Canadian Green Building Grants and Incentives.

Future Trends of BIPV

While traditional photovoltaic panels have an advantage in generating more electricity at a lower cost, the future of BIPV lies in their ability to integrate into buildings and, in many cases, enhance their aesthetic value. Their Applications extend far beyond rooftop locations to include areas such as panels, cladding, and windows. Integrating BIPV into building structures can increase their commercial value, and this value will continue to grow as the importance of green energy and buildings increases. Buildings capable of self-sufficiently meeting all or part of their energy needs offer significant financial advantages to owners. In just over 25 years, the world will reach the milestone of 2050, when all visions of a green world will be tested. BIPV plays a crucial role in achieving the goals of the international Paris Agreement. As an expert in the field of carbon-neutral research, I firmly believe that BIPV will be an important component of future green and low-carbon buildings. Let's look forward to and promote the development of this technology!