Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and energy storage technology integration: Building a low-carbon building environment and a new energy path for health and wellness real estate

Under the dual challenges of global climate change and energy transformation, the construction industry, as one of the main sources of carbon emissions, is facing unprecedented transformation pressure. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) technology, by deeply integrating photovoltaic components with building materials, not only reshapes the functional attributes of buildings, transforming them from energy consumers to energy producers, but also provides a practical technical path for achieving the "dual carbon" goals in the construction sector.

This article will comprehensively analyze the latest progress in the integrated development of BIPV and energy storage technology, discuss its breakthroughs in building material innovation and system integration optimization, and focus on analyzing the application value of this technological paradigm in the field of health and wellness real estate, CCRC communities, and elderly care institutions. The article will elaborate from multiple dimensions, including technical principles, policy environment, market status, and case studies, revealing how the integration of photovoltaic energy storage and buildings can achieve a low-carbon transformation of the building environment by reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency, and predicting future technological development trends and business model innovations in the field of elderly-friendly buildings.

As a significant area of global energy consumption and carbon emissions, the green transformation of the construction industry has a decisive impact on achieving the "dual carbon" goals. According to statistics, the energy consumption of the entire building process in China accounts for 44.8% of the national total energy consumption, and carbon emissions account for 48.3% of the national total emissions. This grim reality compels the construction industry to shift from the traditional energy-intensive development model to a new green and low-carbon model. Against this backdrop, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) technology has emerged as a core driving force in the building energy revolution.

BIPV differs from traditional building-attached photovoltaics (BAPV). It integrates photovoltaic components as indispensable functional building materials from the building design stage, achieving an organic unity of power generation performance, architectural aesthetics, and structural safety. This deep integration transforms buildings from passive energy consumers into active energy producers, fundamentally changing the relationship between buildings and energy. Academician Ling Wen of the Chinese Academy of Engineering pointed out: "BIPV can reduce carbon emissions during the building operation phase by more than 30%, which is of great significance for carbon reduction." This emission reduction effect is crucial for supporting China's commitment to achieving carbon peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060.

Currently, BIPV technology has entered a new historical stage. From the early simple photovoltaic panel attachment to today's photovoltaic building materialization and component-ization, BIPV has made significant progress in efficiency, aesthetics, cost, and reliability. Especially with the promotion of new photovoltaic materials (such as copper indium gallium selenide thin films and perovskite batteries), the building adaptability of BIPV products has been significantly improved. The conversion efficiency of the copper indium gallium selenide thin-film photovoltaic technology laboratory of the State Power Investment Group has reached 22.9%, and components of different colors and patterns can be customized to meet the needs of building aesthetics. This technological breakthrough has cleared the obstacles for the large-scale application of BIPV.

At the same time, China's policy environment has also provided strong support for the development of BIPV. The "Work Plan to Accelerate Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction in the Construction Sector," forwarded by the General Office of the State Council, clearly proposes "formulating and improving relevant standards and atlases for the construction of building-integrated photovoltaics, and piloting the promotion of the construction of building-integrated photovoltaics in newly built industrial plants, public buildings, and residential buildings." National People's Congress representative Ma Yongping also called at the 2023 National Two Sessions: to mandatorily adopt photovoltaic material products in new building planning and clarify the photovoltaic coverage area of building exteriors. These policy signals indicate that BIPV has entered the stage of large-scale promotion from the stage of technological exploration.

In terms of building types, health and wellness real estate, CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Communities), and elderly care institutions, due to their special energy needs, have become ideal scenarios for BIPV technology applications. These buildings usually require an all-weather stable energy supply, high energy consumption of medical equipment and temperature control systems, and strict requirements for indoor environmental comfort. The combination of BIPV and energy storage systems can not only reduce operating costs but also improve the quality of life, achieving a win-win situation in economic and social benefits. With the continuous deepening of China's aging population (over 310 million people aged 60 and above by the end of 2024), energy innovation in elderly care buildings will have increasingly important practical significance.

This article will systematically analyze the latest progress in the integration of BIPV and energy storage technology, explore its breakthroughs in building material innovation and system integration optimization, and focus on researching the application strategies and development trends of this technological paradigm in health and wellness real estate and elderly care buildings, providing insights and references for the low-carbon transformation of the construction industry.

Building-integrated photovoltaic technology has undergone an evolution from simple superposition to deep integration and is currently in a stage of rapid development. This evolution is not only reflected in the way photovoltaic components are combined with building materials but also in system design concepts, product performance parameters, and market acceptance levels. A deep understanding of the technological development context and market status of BIPV is crucial for grasping its positioning and value in the construction of a low-carbon building environment.

1. Paradigm shift of BIPV technology from attachment to integration

Traditional photovoltaic applications mainly use "building-attached photovoltaics" (BAPV), which involves retrofitting photovoltaic components onto existing building structures. Although this method is simple and easy to implement, it has problems such as poor aesthetics, high wind loads, and high maintenance costs. In contrast, BIPV integrates photovoltaics as an integral part of the building from the initial design stage, achieving an organic unity of power generation and building functions. Dr. Tang Yang from the National Energy Group's Green Energy and Building Research Center pointed out: "Most current BIPV projects are still in the initial stage, simply installing photovoltaic components as curtain walls on the exterior walls of buildings, without truly integrating photovoltaic components as part of the building." Advanced BIPV should allow photovoltaic components to both have building enclosure functions and become part of a distributed energy system.

In recent years, BIPV technology has made significant breakthroughs, mainly in three aspects: material innovation, structural optimization, and system integration. In terms of materials, new photovoltaic materials such as copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin films and perovskites, due to their good low-light performance, flexibility, and adjustable colors, have greatly improved the building adaptability of BIPV. The conversion efficiency of the CIGS thin-film photovoltaic technology laboratory of the State Power Investment Group has reached 22.9%, and components of different colors and patterns can be customized. In terms of structure, the LIGHT series of lightweight photovoltaic building materials developed by China Construction Xingye uses bionic structural design and micrometer glazing printing technology on the glass surface, weighing only 15.7 kg/m², reducing the weight by 68% compared to traditional double-glass products, while meeting the requirements of building aesthetics and structural safety. In terms of system integration, the "photovoltaic + energy storage + DC power supply + flexible power consumption" technology route is gradually maturing, allowing buildings to participate in grid peak shaving and improve the proportion of renewable energy consumption.

Table: Comparison of BIPV and traditional BAPV technologies

2. Current status of the BIPV market and policy drivers

China's BIPV market has entered a period of rapid growth, driven by both policy support and technological advancements. At the policy level, the "Work Plan to Accelerate Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction in the Construction Sector," forwarded by the General Office of the State Council, explicitly requires "pilot projects to promote the integrated construction of photovoltaics in newly built industrial plants, public buildings, and residential buildings." Local governments have also introduced supporting measures. For example, Shaanxi Province, in its "Implementation Opinions on Vigorously Developing the Technology and Application of Building Facade and Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Integration," clearly designates Yulin City as a key promotion area. National People's Congress representative Ma Yongping further proposed three suggestions at the 2023 National Two Sessions: revising building regulations to mandate the use of photovoltaic products in new buildings; revising government procurement regulations to prioritize the procurement of photovoltaic building materials; and accelerating the improvement of the BIPV standard system. These policy signals have injected strong momentum into the development of the BIPV market.

In terms of market size, the potential for photovoltaic installation on urban and rural buildings in China is enormous. According to data from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the total estimated installable photovoltaic capacity on urban and rural buildings and their surroundings is 2.85 billion kilowatts, with an annual power generation potential exceeding 3 trillion kilowatt-hours. This is equivalent to replacing 1 billion tons of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 2.5 billion tons. Taking urban buildings alone, if the BIPV penetration rate reaches 2%, the annual market size could reach the hundreds of billions of yuan level, while the renovation market for existing buildings is in the trillions of yuan.

In terms of application scenarios, BIPV has made substantial progress in several areas. In commercial buildings, the Shenzhen Qianhai Huafa Ice and Snow World project uses LIGHT A photovoltaic modules from China Construction Xingye, covering a total area of approximately 35,000 square meters. It is expected to generate 6.3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, meeting 30% of the park's electricity needs. In industrial buildings, the Far East Photovoltaic Low-Carbon Lighthouse Factory, through BIPV renovation, has a total installed capacity of 2.08 MW, generating 2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, meeting over 30% of its own electricity consumption and obtaining zero-energy building certification. In public buildings, Building No. 3 of the Yulin High-tech Zone Innovation and Entrepreneurship Park uses thin-film photovoltaic modules to renovate its exterior walls, with a photovoltaic installed capacity of 127.32 kilowatts, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 202.14 tons annually.

3. Challenges and Breakthrough Paths for BIPV Technology

Despite the broad prospects for BIPV development, several technological bottlenecks and market obstacles need to be overcome. The most pressing issue is cost. Although the long-term economic benefits of BIPV are significant, the initial investment cost is still higher than that of traditional building materials and conventional energy systems, which has to some extent inhibited market acceptance. Second, the imperfect standard system is also a significant constraint. Currently, BIPV products need to meet both photovoltaic component standards and building material specifications, and the coordination and unification of the two still need to be strengthened. National People's Congress representative Ma Yongping's proposal to "quickly introduce acceptance standards for BIPV that address the building's inherent performance in terms of strength, safety, waterproofing, and fire prevention" directly addresses this issue. Third, BIPV places higher demands on building design, requiring close collaboration between architects, photovoltaic engineers, and structural engineers, while currently there is a relative shortage of cross-professional talent.

To address these challenges, the industry is seeking breakthroughs in multiple dimensions. In terms of cost reduction and efficiency improvement, the cost of BIPV products is being lowered through large-scale production, material innovation, and process optimization. China Construction Xingye's LIGHT series, through standardized size supply and mass production, has significantly improved cost-effectiveness. In terms of standard setting, relevant departments are accelerating the establishment of a standard system covering the entire process, from material design and product certification to engineering construction and inspection and acceptance. In terms of talent cultivation, universities and vocational schools have begun to offer BIPV-related courses, and companies are also strengthening internal training to cultivate composite talents. In terms of business models, innovative mechanisms such as contract energy management and green finance are being introduced to lower the initial investment threshold for users.

The continuous progress of BIPV technology and the gradual improvement of the market environment have laid a solid foundation for its application in various fields, including health and wellness real estate. With the deepening of the "dual carbon" strategy, BIPV is expected to move from demonstration projects to large-scale applications, truly realizing the transformation of buildings from "consuming" energy to "producing" energy, and providing core technological support for building a low-carbon building environment.

The true potential of photovoltaic building integration technology lies not only in energy production but also in achieving efficient energy management and flexible scheduling of building energy through intelligent synergy with energy storage systems. A simple BIPV system is greatly affected by sunlight conditions, and the power generation curve often does not match the building's electricity consumption curve. However, the introduction of energy storage technology can effectively solve this contradiction and build a more stable and reliable building energy system. This "photovoltaic + energy storage" synergy model is reshaping the design and operation of building energy systems.

1. Technological Paths and System Architecture of Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Integration

"Photovoltaic + Energy Storage + Direct Current Power Supply + Flexible Power Consumption" (PV + ES + DC + Flexible) has become the mainstream technological route for the transformation of building energy systems. The core of this concept is to reduce AC-DC conversion losses through a DC microgrid architecture, and to use energy storage systems and flexible loads to achieve synergistic optimization of source, grid, load, and storage. China Construction Xingye's application of "PV + ES + DC + Flexible" technology in multiple projects allows building clusters to participate in electricity demand response and peak regulation through intelligent control, significantly improving energy utilization efficiency. The "Work Plan to Accelerate Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction in the Construction Sector," forwarded by the General Office of the State Council, also emphasizes the need to "promote the application of technologies such as 'PV + ES + DC + Flexible', cold and heat storage, and flexible load adjustment." This affirms the value of this technological route at the policy level.

From a system architecture perspective, building photovoltaic and energy storage integration systems typically include several key components: BIPV power generation units, energy storage devices, energy management systems, and intelligent power distribution networks. The BIPV power generation unit serves as the energy source for the system, and its design needs to consider factors such as building orientation, tilt angle, and shadow shading to maximize energy capture. Energy storage devices, depending on the building type and load characteristics, can choose different forms such as electrochemical energy storage (such as lithium batteries), physical energy storage (such as flywheels), or thermal energy storage. The energy management system is the "brain" of the entire system, responsible for real-time monitoring, prediction, and optimization of energy flow. The intelligent power distribution network achieves efficient allocation and flexible scheduling of electricity, supporting DC power supply and bidirectional energy flow.

The "Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Integration" low-voltage substation project in Huize County, Qujing, Yunnan, demonstrates the practical application of this system architecture. Based on the village-level photovoltaic poverty alleviation power station, this project has built a new 215-kilowatt-hour mobile energy storage power supply system and a 35-kilovolt dynamic reactive power compensation device (SVG), organically connecting photovoltaic power generation and energy storage applications to effectively balance the fluctuations in photovoltaic energy supply and demand. The project also uses digital twin technology to build a small-scale, clustered distributed power management system model, which has strong real-world modeling, analysis, and calculation capabilities and can visually display the system's operating status in 2D and 3D scenes. The introduction of this digital twin technology greatly improves the visualization and predictability of the photovoltaic and energy storage system.

2. The Key Role of Energy Storage Technology in Building Applications

Energy storage systems play multiple roles in building energy systems, with their core value primarily reflected in three aspects: energy time shifting, power quality improvement, and system backup. Energy time shifting refers to storing excess electricity generated during peak photovoltaic generation periods for use at night or on cloudy and rainy days, thereby resolving the mismatch between power generation and consumption timing. The "distributed photovoltaic + energy storage" system in Zhejiang Meilin Village has achieved a 40% night-time energy storage supply coverage rate through this method. Power quality improvement is achieved through the rapid response characteristics of the energy storage system to smooth out the volatility of photovoltaic power generation and improve power quality. The system backup function can provide emergency power during grid failures, enhancing the energy security of buildings.

In health-care real estate and elderly care institutions, these functions of energy storage systems are particularly important. Such buildings are usually equipped with medical equipment and life support systems, requiring extremely high demands on the continuity and quality of power supply. Elderly communities invested in by insurance companies, such as Taikang elderly communities, generally adopt BIPV + energy storage systems, not only saving over one million yuan in electricity costs annually, but more importantly, ensuring the reliability of power supply for medical and nursing services. A hybrid backup power system composed of an energy storage system and a diesel generator or fuel cell can meet the stringent requirements of elderly care institutions for power safety.

The selection of energy storage technology needs to comprehensively consider factors such as energy density, power density, cycle life, and safety. Currently, lithium-ion batteries, due to their high energy density and rapid response characteristics, have become the mainstream choice for building energy storage. However, lithium batteries still have room for improvement in terms of safety and cycle life, especially in sensitive places such as elderly care institutions, where fire safety needs to be paid special attention. In the future, new energy storage technologies such as solid-state batteries and flow batteries are expected to provide safer solutions. In addition, thermal energy storage systems combined with building characteristics also have considerable potential, such as phase change material (PCM) energy storage, which can well match the heating and cooling needs of buildings.

Table: Comparison of Building Energy Storage Technologies

3. Intelligent Energy Management and Multi-energy Complementary Systems

An advanced energy management system (EMS) is the key to the efficient operation of photovoltaic storage buildings. Modern EMS not only has basic monitoring and control functions, but also integrates artificial intelligence, big data analysis, and prediction algorithms, which can optimize energy scheduling strategies and maximize economic benefits. The smart platform introduced by the Beijing Zuojiazhuang elderly care complex can monitor energy consumption and carbon emissions in real time, and reduce operating costs through photovoltaic power generation optimization. Such systems typically include core modules such as load forecasting, power generation forecasting, electricity price forecasting, and optimized scheduling, which can automatically formulate optimal operating strategies based on weather forecasts, electricity price policies, and load changes.

Multi-energy complementation is another important way to improve the resilience and efficiency of building energy systems. By combining BIPV with other renewable energy technologies such as ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, and biomass energy, a more diversified and stable energy supply system can be built. The Shenzhen Qianhai Huafa Ice and Snow World project is a typical example. It combines BIPV with heat pump technology to generate 6.3 million kWh of electricity annually, meeting 30% of the park's electricity demand and reducing air conditioning load at the same time. In the cold northern regions, this multi-energy complementation model is particularly applicable, such as the "solar photovoltaic + geothermal energy" system promoted in Yulin City, which effectively solves the high energy consumption problem of winter heating.

In the design of elderly care communities, multi-energy complementary systems need to specifically consider the comfort needs and health requirements of the elderly. The "Six Constants" system (constant temperature, humidity, oxygen, cleanliness, quietness, and intelligence) adopted by the Baoji Ruyi Yinxian Elderly Care Community is an example. This community combines ultra-low energy consumption building design with renewable energy systems to maintain room temperature at a constant 20-26℃ year-round, humidity at 40%～60%, and a fresh air system ensures that the oxygen content is synchronized with the outdoor natural environment, creating a healthy and comfortable living environment for the elderly. This design concept, which closely integrates energy systems with health needs, represents the future development direction of health-care real estate.

The synergistic optimization of photovoltaic energy storage systems and building energy management not only improves the utilization rate of renewable energy and reduces building operating costs, but more importantly, it constructs a new energy production and consumption model, transforming buildings from passive energy consumers into active energy participants. With the continuous advancement of intelligent control technology and energy storage technology, this model will be more widely applied in health-care real estate and elderly care institutions, providing a safer, more comfortable, and healthier living environment for the elderly, while significantly reducing carbon emissions and achieving a win-win situation in economic and social benefits.

With the continuous deepening of China's aging population (over 310 million people aged 60 and above by the end of 2024), health-care real estate and CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Communities), as important residential forms to address aging, are experiencing a period of rapid development. Such communities have special needs for energy supply: they must ensure the continuous and stable power supply of medical and nursing equipment, meet the high requirements of the elderly for indoor environmental comfort, and also face the pressure of reducing operating costs. The combination of building-integrated photovoltaics and energy storage technology provides a feasible path for health-care real estate to achieve energy security, comfortable living, and low-carbon environmental protection.

1. Analysis of Energy Demand Characteristics and BIPV Adaptability in Elderly Care Communities

The energy consumption of elderly care communities and elderly care institutions has obvious time-period characteristics and load characteristics. From the time-period perspective, energy demand shows all-weather stability, unlike the morning and evening peak characteristics of ordinary residential buildings. This is because medical equipment, life support systems, and public area lighting in elderly care communities require uninterrupted power supply 24 hours a day. From the load structure perspective, the energy consumption of temperature control systems (heating, cooling, ventilation) usually accounts for 50%-60%, medical and nursing equipment accounts for 20%-30%, and lighting and other electricity consumption accounts for the remaining part. This load structure gives BIPV systems a unique adaptability advantage in elderly care communities.

The adaptability of BIPV to elderly care buildings is mainly reflected in three aspects: energy matching, space utilization, and additional benefits. In terms of energy matching, the high energy consumption period of elderly care communities has a high degree of coincidence with the peak photovoltaic power generation period (daytime), and the self-generation and self-consumption ratio can reach more than 70%, significantly higher than the 30%-40% of ordinary residential buildings. In terms of space utilization, elderly care communities usually have large roof areas and low-rise building characteristics, providing ample space for photovoltaic installation. The China Life Guoshou Garden Beijing Lejing project fully utilizes the advantages of low-density building clusters, installing BIPV systems on the roofs and some facades. In terms of additional benefits, in addition to power generation, BIPV components can also provide heat insulation and shading effects, improving the indoor thermal environment. The photovoltaic system on the roof of the Singapore Genting Paper Mill reduced the indoor temperature by 7-8℃ and reduced air conditioning energy consumption by 30%2, and this effect is equally applicable in elderly care institutions.

Elderly care communities invested in by insurance companies have recognized the unique value of BIPV and have begun to apply it on a large scale. According to incomplete statistics, more than 13 insurance institutions in China have invested in more than 70 elderly care community projects nationwide, and leading insurance companies such as Taikang and Ping An generally adopt the "BIPV + energy storage" energy solution.

2. Innovative Integration of Elderly-Friendly Design and Photovoltaic Building Materials

Applying BIPV technology to elderly care buildings requires consideration not only of energy performance but also the special requirements of aging-in-place design. The elderly have unique characteristics in terms of vision, touch, and mobility; therefore, the selection and installation of photovoltaic building materials need to be adjusted accordingly. Trina Solar's N-type BIPV components use a boltless interlocking structure, solving waterproofing issues and preventing potential safety hazards from exposed fasteners, making them particularly suitable for senior communities. In terms of color selection, low-reflectivity, soft-toned photovoltaic components should be used to reduce glare and its irritation to the elderly's eyes.

BIPV design for elderly care buildings also needs to consider maintenance convenience and safety. The elderly are more sensitive to sudden noise and construction disruptions; therefore, photovoltaic products with high durability and long maintenance cycles should be prioritized. China Construction Industry's LIGHT series of lightweight photovoltaic building materials promises a 25-year over-linear power output warranty, significantly reducing the frequency of later maintenance. Installation locations should avoid areas with high elderly activity to reduce the risk of accidental collisions, while ensuring that escape routes remain unobstructed in emergencies.

In terms of specific building applications, BIPV can be cleverly combined with the functional needs of elderly care buildings. Rooftop photovoltaics are the most common application method, such as the rooftop photovoltaic system at the Xi'an Gaoxin Tian Valley Ya She Kindergarten, which solves the energy supply problem for the kindergarten's lighting system. Facade photovoltaics are more suitable as shading systems; for example, memory shading panels automatically adjust according to the sun's position, generating electricity while regulating indoor temperature. Even windows can use transparent photovoltaic glass, generating electricity while allowing for daylighting. The ultra-low energy consumption design of the Baoji Ruyi Yinxian Kangyang Community incorporates various renewable energy technologies to create a "six-constant" health system, providing an example of BIPV integration in elderly-friendly buildings.

Table: Application Characteristics of BIPV in Different Parts of Elderly Care Buildings

3. Medical Energy Security and Integration with Smart Health Care Systems

Elderly communities and CCRCs usually have medical care facilities and have extremely high requirements for the reliability and quality of energy supply. China Life's Guoshou Jiayuan Beijing Lejing Community has an 800-square-meter medical space providing professional nursing, health management, and medical rehabilitation services. Taikang elderly communities are even equipped with powerful secondary hospitals. The operation of these medical facilities relies on a stable and clean power supply, and a "BIPV + energy storage" system can meet this need.

In terms of medical energy security, the photovoltaic storage system can build a multi-level power supply architecture. Level 1 loads, such as operating rooms and ICUs, use uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and energy storage for dual protection; Level 2 loads, such as general medical equipment, are provided with short-term backup power by the energy storage system; Level 3 loads, such as general lighting, can participate in demand response and reduce load appropriately during grid congestion. This tiered protection strategy ensures the safety of medical power while improving system economy. The "photovoltaic storage integration" project in Qujing, Huize, demonstrates precise control technology for power fluctuations. Through the synergy of a dynamic reactive power compensation device (SVG) and an energy storage system, smooth processing of photovoltaic power fluctuations is achieved. This technology can be fully transplanted into the medical power supply system of elderly communities.

The smart health care system is another key to improving the quality of elderly care services. Modern elderly communities generally introduce intelligent systems such as health monitoring, emergency calls, and environmental control. The operation of these systems needs to be synergistically optimized with the energy system. The Laizhou Shanghe Chuntian project uses an "energy-efficient green building comprehensive evaluation platform" to achieve real-time energy consumption monitoring and optimization. More advanced systems, such as the smart platform of the Beijing Zuojiazhuang Elderly Comprehensive Center, can even combine energy data with health management, adjusting indoor environmental parameters based on the health status of the elderly. This cross-border integration represents the future direction of health care communities.

The combination of photovoltaic energy storage systems and smart health care can also create new service models. For example, by analyzing energy consumption data, one can indirectly understand the activity patterns and health status of the elderly; the saved energy costs can be reinvested in service improvements, forming a virtuous cycle; and even carbon emissions reductions can be developed into carbon assets, generating additional income. China Life's "Guoshou Jiayuan" elderly care brand has won awards such as the People's Daily "Innovation Model" Award and the Beijing Youth Daily "First-Class Elderly Care Service Brand" for its innovation in green buildings, reflecting market recognition of this innovative model.

As important infrastructure in an aging society, health care real estate and CCRC communities have low-carbon energy system transformations that offer not only economic benefits but also social value. Through the innovative application of BIPV and energy storage technologies, combined with aging-in-place design and intelligent management systems, safe, comfortable, and low-carbon elderly living environments can be built, achieving a harmonious unity of "caring for the elderly" and "green development." With continuous technological advancements and policy support, this model will be promoted in a wider range of elderly care facilities, providing sustainable solutions for China's response to the challenges of an aging population.

As energy-intensive public service facilities, elderly care institutions typically have energy expenditures accounting for 20%-30% of their operating costs. Under the dual pressure of an aging population and energy price fluctuations, how to achieve cost reduction and efficiency improvement through low-carbon building technologies has become a core issue in the operation and management of elderly care institutions. The combination of building-integrated photovoltaics and energy storage systems can not only reduce energy costs but also improve service quality and operational efficiency, creating multiple values. This section will delve into the practical application effects of low-carbon technologies in elderly care institutions, revealing their economic benefits and operational optimization mechanisms.

1. Energy Consumption Structure and Cost Analysis

The energy consumption structure of elderly care institutions has distinct characteristics, significantly different from ordinary commercial buildings or residential buildings. Analysis of energy consumption data from multiple elderly communities reveals that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems typically account for 45%-55% of total energy consumption, a higher proportion than ordinary buildings, due to the elderly's greater sensitivity to indoor temperature and the need to maintain a more stable thermal environment. Lighting system energy consumption accounts for about 15%-20%, as the elderly have decreased visual function, elderly care institutions usually require higher lighting standards and longer operating times. Medical care equipment energy consumption accounts for 10%-15%, including oxygen machines, dialysis equipment, and elevators. Hot water supply energy consumption accounts for about 10%, with the remainder being auxiliary energy consumption from office equipment, kitchen equipment, etc.

From a cost perspective, the composition of energy expenditures in elderly care institutions is significantly affected by regional energy policies and prices. In areas with peak-valley electricity pricing, the cost of electricity during peak hours can be 3-4 times that of off-peak hours, and unreasonable energy use patterns can lead to a significant increase in energy costs. Data from a Beijing elderly care institution shows that by installing BIPV systems and energy storage equipment, storing daytime photovoltaic power generation and using it during peak electricity prices, annual electricity cost savings of about 25%-35% can be achieved. After adopting the BIPV + energy storage system, Taikang elderly communities saved over one million yuan annually in electricity costs, verifying the significant economic benefits of this model.

The energy costs of elderly care institutions are also affected by carbon emission policies. With the continuous improvement of the national carbon market and the gradual increase in carbon prices, high-carbon energy use methods will face increasingly higher carbon costs. The State Council's "Action Plan to Accelerate the Promotion of Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction in the Construction Sector" clearly proposes to "gradually reduce fossil energy heating in buildings," which will prompt elderly care institutions to accelerate their transition to renewable energy. Each kilowatt-hour of electricity generated by the BIPV system can reduce about 0.8-1.0 kg of carbon dioxide emissions. Against the backdrop of tightening carbon constraints, this emission reduction benefit will gradually translate into economic value.

2. Cost Reduction Paths for Low-Carbon Technology Applications

The application of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and energy storage technology in elderly care facilities primarily achieves cost reduction and efficiency improvement through four pathways: energy substitution, demand-side management, operation and maintenance optimization, and policy benefits. Energy substitution is the most direct path to savings, replacing grid electricity with photovoltaic power generation to reduce energy procurement costs. The BIPV system of the Shenzhen Qianhai Huafa Ice and Snow World project generates 6.3 million kWh annually, meeting 30% of the park's electricity demand. Based on a commercial electricity price of 0.8 yuan/kWh, this results in annual electricity cost savings exceeding 5 million yuan. For elderly care communities with higher electricity consumption, the savings will be even more substantial.

Demand-side management uses energy storage systems to reduce peak demand charges, a significant component of commercial building electricity costs. Energy storage systems can discharge during peak electricity consumption, keeping the grid power draw at a lower level and thus reducing demand charges. The "integrated photovoltaic and storage" project in Huize County, Qujing, Yunnan, effectively achieves peak shaving and valley filling through the synergy of energy storage and a static var compensator (SVC). This technology is equally applicable to optimizing electricity costs in elderly care facilities. It is estimated that a reasonable demand-side management strategy can save a medium-sized elderly care facility (approximately 10,000 square meters) 100,000-150,000 yuan in electricity costs annually.

Operation and maintenance optimization refers to reducing equipment operation and maintenance costs through low-carbon technologies. As part of the building's exterior envelope, BIPV materials require less cleaning and maintenance compared to the traditional model of adding photovoltaics to conventional building materials. China Construction Xingye's LIGHT series of lightweight photovoltaic building materials uses a special surface treatment process with self-cleaning capabilities, reducing cleaning frequency. Simultaneously, photovoltaic power generation reduces the operating time of backup power sources such as diesel generators, correspondingly reducing the maintenance costs of these devices. The Laizhou Shanghe Chuntian project, through green construction techniques, used only 72% of the originally planned labor costs, demonstrating the potential of low-carbon technologies in reducing labor costs.

Policy benefits refer to obtaining government subsidies and tax incentives for renewable energy and green buildings. The State Council's "Work Plan to Accelerate Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction in the Construction Sector" explicitly calls for "supporting the development of building-integrated photovoltaics." Various local governments have also introduced corresponding subsidy policies. For example, Shenzhen provides one-time subsidies for BIPV projects based on installed capacity, while Suzhou provides additional rewards for BIPV demonstration projects. National People's Congress representative Ma Yongping suggested "revising national and local government procurement regulations to mandatorily require the procurement of photovoltaic green building materials in government procurement projects." If this suggestion is adopted, it will further enhance the economic viability of elderly care facilities adopting BIPV. Furthermore, green building certifications (such as LEED, three-star green buildings, etc.) can also enhance the brand value and market competitiveness of elderly care facilities.

3. Quality Improvement, Efficiency Enhancement, and Service Upgrade

The positive impact of low-carbon technologies on elderly care facilities is not only reflected in cost savings but also in improved service quality and operational efficiency, achieving "quality improvement and efficiency enhancement." In terms of service quality, a stable energy supply and a comfortable indoor environment are fundamental to high-quality elderly care services. The Baoji Ruyi Yinxiang Elderly Care Community, through ultra-low energy consumption building technology combined with renewable energy systems, has achieved "six constant" environmental control (constant temperature, humidity, oxygen, cleanliness, quietness, and intelligence), providing a highly comfortable living experience for the elderly. The near-zero energy consumption design of the Xi'an Gaoxin Tiangu Ya She Kindergarten (配套养老社区) keeps the indoor temperature constant at 20-26℃ year-round, with suitable humidity. The fresh air system effectively filters PM2.5 and bacteria, conditions crucial for the health of the elderly.

In terms of operational efficiency, intelligent energy management systems can visualize and intelligently manage energy flow, reducing manual intervention and improving management accuracy. The intelligent platform of the Beijing Zuojiazhuang Elderly Care Complex can monitor energy consumption and carbon emissions in real-time and automatically optimize energy dispatch. More advanced systems, such as the "energy-saving green building comprehensive evaluation platform" applied by engineer Yang Haibin in the Laizhou Shanghe Chuntian project, combine BIM technology and RFID material tracking technology, not only optimizing energy use but also improving construction and management efficiency. This digital management approach is particularly suitable for elderly care facilities that require refined operations.

Low-carbon technologies can also create new service models and revenue streams. On the one hand, cost savings from energy conservation and emission reduction can be reinvested in service improvements, creating a virtuous cycle. On the other hand, elderly care facilities can develop their emission reductions into carbon assets, participating in carbon market transactions to obtain additional income. The photovoltaic renovation project of Building 3 of the Yulin High-tech Zone Innovation and Entrepreneurship Park reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 202.14 tons annually. Similarly, a medium-sized elderly care community's BIPV system can achieve annual emission reductions of 500-1000 tons. Based on the current carbon price, the annual carbon revenue can reach tens of thousands of yuan. Although the amount is not large, as a long-term and stable supplementary income, it has a positive impact on improving the financial situation of elderly care facilities.

4. Return on Investment and Business Model Innovation

The main obstacle to elderly care facilities adopting BIPV and energy storage systems is the high initial investment cost. For example, for an elderly care community with a building area of 10,000 square meters, installing a 500kW BIPV system and corresponding energy storage equipment requires an initial investment of approximately 4-6 million yuan. Based on annual electricity cost savings of 1-1.5 million yuan, the static payback period is approximately 4-6 years. This payback period is still too long for many elderly care facilities, requiring business model innovation to lower the investment threshold.

Energy performance contracting (EPC) is a viable solution. In this model, an energy service company (ESCO) is responsible for investing in and constructing the BIPV and energy storage systems and recouping its investment by sharing energy savings with the elderly care facility. This "zero-investment" model is particularly suitable for financially constrained public or non-profit elderly care facilities. Currently, some energy companies in China have begun to provide EPC services for elderly care facilities. For example, in a photovoltaic and storage project between an energy company and an elderly care facility in Jiangsu, the energy company provided full funding, and the elderly care facility repaid the system costs through electricity cost savings, achieving a win-win situation.

Green finance is another innovative approach. Elderly care facilities can raise funds for low-carbon transformation through green credit, green bonds, and other tools, using future energy savings to repay principal and interest. The State Council's "Work Plan to Accelerate Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction in the Construction Sector" proposes to "improve support policies for energy-efficient and low-carbon development in the construction sector," providing a policy basis for green finance to support the low-carbon transformation of elderly care facilities. Elderly care communities invested in by insurance companies such as China Life fully utilize the long-term and stable nature of insurance funds, treating green buildings as long-term asset allocations.

Table: Comparison of Business Models for Low-Carbon Transformation of Elderly Care Facilities

As important social infrastructure for public welfare, the low-carbon transformation of elderly care facilities not only has economic significance but also reflects social responsibility. Through the innovative application of building-integrated photovoltaics and energy storage technology, combined with the optimization of business and management models, elderly care facilities can reduce operating costs while improving service quality, achieving sustainable development. With technological advancements and cost reductions, this "green elderly care" model will benefit a wider range of elderly people, providing environmentally friendly and economically viable solutions to address the challenges of an aging population.
 

The promotion and application of building-integrated photovoltaics and energy storage technology in health and wellness real estate and elderly care facilities depends not only on technological maturity and economic feasibility but also largely on policy guidance and standards. A sound policy framework and a complete standards system can effectively reduce market uncertainty, guide resource allocation, and accelerate technological innovation and industry maturity. This section will systematically analyze the current policy environment and standards construction status of China's BIPV field, discuss its shaping role in the low-carbon development of health and wellness real estate, and look forward to the future direction of policy evolution.

1. National Strategy and Top-Level Policy Design

At the national level, BIPV development has been incorporated into the overall strategic layout of the carbon peak and carbon neutrality strategy. The "Work Plan to Accelerate Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction in the Construction Sector" (Guoban Han [2024] No. 20), forwarded by the General Office of the State Council, lists "actively supporting the development of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)" as one of the key tasks to promote low-carbon transformation of building energy use, and clearly proposes to "formulate and improve relevant standards and atlases for BIPV construction, and pilot the promotion of BIPV construction in newly built industrial plants, public buildings, residential buildings, etc." This top-level design document provides a policy basis for the application of BIPV in various buildings, including, of course, health care real estate and elderly care institutions.

The "14th Five-Year Plan for Building Energy Efficiency and Green Building Development" issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development further refines the development goals, proposing that by 2025, "all newly built buildings in urban areas will be completed as green buildings, building energy utilization efficiency will be steadily improved, and the building energy structure will be gradually optimized." This plan sets a clear timetable for the low-carbon transformation of the construction sector, forcing various buildings, including elderly care institutions, to adopt renewable energy technologies such as BIPV. Academician Ling Wen of the Chinese Academy of Engineering commented: "BIPV can reduce building operating carbon emissions by more than 30%, which is of great significance for carbon reduction."

In terms of specific support policies, the National Development and Reform Commission, the National Energy Administration, and other departments have introduced a series of measures, including preferential electricity prices, subsidy policies, and tax reductions and exemptions. For example, distributed photovoltaic power generation adopts a "self-generation and self-use, surplus power grid connection" model, and the grid-connected part enjoys a fixed electricity price or market electricity price plus subsidies; some regions provide one-time installation subsidies for BIPV projects; green buildings and renewable energy projects can enjoy corporate income tax incentives, etc. These policy measures have lowered the application threshold of BIPV and improved the return on investment, which is particularly important for public service facilities such as elderly care institutions that are relatively short of funds.

2. Local Pilot Programs and Mandatory Regulations

Under the guidance of national policies, local governments have also actively introduced supporting measures to promote the implementation of BIPV technology. Governments in Shenzhen, Suzhou, and Zhuhai have already introduced policies to encourage the green transformation of existing buildings and promote the large-scale development of BIPV. Shaanxi Province, in its "Implementation Opinions on Vigorously Developing the Technology and Application of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Technology on Building Facades and Roofs," clearly lists Yulin City as a key promotion area. The strategic cooperation framework agreement signed between Kunshan Municipal People's Government and China Construction Xingye further proposes that in the next five years, it will promote the implementation of BIPV projects with a total scale of no less than 10 billion yuan, demonstrating the determination of local governments to develop the BIPV industry.

In terms of policy tool selection, local governments are gradually transitioning from incentive policies to mandatory regulations. National People's Congress representative Ma Yongping clearly proposed at the 2023 National Two Sessions: "Amend relevant building laws and regulations, grasp BIPV application from the planning and design stage, require the mandatory use of photovoltaic material products in new building plans, clarify the photovoltaic coverage area of building exteriors, and for newly added public buildings or residential buildings and industrial plants under 10 stories, clearly propose a certain proportion of the use of photovoltaic power generation technology." Although this mandatory requirement has not yet been implemented nationwide, it has been piloted in some provinces and cities. For example, Hebei Province is vigorously promoting the transformation and upgrading of the energy production structure and actively building a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient modern energy system, creating conditions for the mandatory promotion of BIPV.

For public buildings such as elderly care institutions, some local governments have begun to set lower limits for the application ratio of renewable energy. For example, Beijing requires that the renewable energy utilization ratio of newly built public buildings should be no less than 15%, while Shanghai has raised this ratio to 20%. These mandatory regulations encourage elderly care institutions to consider the integration of renewable energy technologies such as BIPV in the design and construction stages. The China Life-owned Guoshou Jiayuan Beijing Lejing project fully considered the utilization of renewable energy during the planning stage, and its low-carbon design has been recognized by the industry.

3. Standard System and Certification Mechanism Construction

Standards and regulations are another important pillar for the healthy development of BIPV technology. The current standard challenges facing the BIPV field mainly come from two aspects: firstly, the coordination and unification between photovoltaic product standards and building codes; secondly, the lack of specific performance indicators for BIPV. National People's Congress representative Ma Yongping accurately pointed out this problem in his proposal: "As soon as possible, issue acceptance standards for BIPV that target the building's inherent performance in terms of strength, safety, waterproofing, and fire prevention, and as soon as possible revise and issue BIPV quota standards to form a standard system that matches technological development and market demand."

In terms of standard formulation, China has made some progress. The LIGHT series of lightweight photovoltaic building materials developed by China Construction Xingye has obtained a series of international authoritative certifications such as TÜV, meeting the requirements of both photovoltaic components and building materials. The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) has also issued specific standards for BIPV, such as the IEC 63092 series of standards for "Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Systems," providing a basis for product certification. However, in terms of building integration performance, such as wind pressure resistance, airtightness, and water tightness, further establishment of complete testing methods and evaluation standards is still needed.

As a special type of public building, the application of BIPV in elderly care institutions also needs to consider the special requirements of aging-in-place design. Currently, the integration of aging-in-place design specifications and BIPV technical specifications is still blank, and it is urgently needed to formulate application guidelines for BIPV for elderly care institutions. The ultra-low energy consumption design of Xi'an Gaoxin Tiangu Ya She Kindergarten and Community, and the "Six Constant" system of Baoji Ruyi Yinxiang Kangyang Community, provide a practical basis for the formulation of such standards. In the future, these successful experiences should be refined into standard clauses to guide the low-carbon construction of more elderly care projects.

The certification mechanism is an important guarantee for the implementation of standards. Currently, China has established green building certification and near-zero energy consumption building certification systems, but these certifications do not consider BIPV sufficiently. In the future, specialized BIPV performance certifications should be developed, such as the national zero-energy building identification certification of the China Building Energy Efficiency Association, to provide a reference for elderly care institutions and other buildings to select BIPV products. At the same time, a post-evaluation system for BIPV projects should be established to track the actual operating effects and provide a basis for policy adjustments and standard revisions.

4. Policy Coordination and Development Suggestions

The promotion of BIPV in health care real estate and elderly care institutions requires cross-departmental and cross-field policy coordination. Horizontally, energy policies, building codes, and elderly care industry support policies need to be coordinated to avoid policy conflicts or regulatory gaps. Vertically, national top-level design, local implementation details, and industry self-discipline regulations should form a complete chain to ensure the effectiveness of policy implementation. The State Council's "Work Plan to Accelerate Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction in the Construction Sector" embodies this collaborative thinking, organically combining building energy efficiency with energy transformation, urban and rural construction, and industrial development.

In response to the shortcomings of the current policy environment, this article proposes the following development suggestions:

Strengthen mandatory requirements: Gradually implement mandatory requirements for the application ratio of BIPV technology in public buildings, especially government-funded elderly care institutions. We can learn from the suggestions of National People's Congress representative Ma Yongping, clarifying the photovoltaic coverage ratio for newly built elderly care institutions, ensuring low-carbon design from the source.

Improve incentive mechanisms: Design more targeted incentive policies for projects with strong public welfare, such as elderly care institutions. For example, increase subsidy standards, extend subsidy periods, provide low-interest loans, etc., to reduce initial investment thresholds. Incorporate BIPV into the rating and assessment system for elderly care institutions and link it to operating subsidies.

Accelerate standard formulation: Prioritize the formulation of technical specifications for BIPV application in elderly care institutions and clarify the requirements for aging-in-place design. Establish an interdisciplinary standards working group composed of photovoltaic experts, building designers, and gerontologists to ensure the scientific and practical nature of the standards.

Promoting Industrial Synergy: Encourage strategic partnerships between photovoltaic companies and developers and operators of elderly care real estate, forming an industrial ecosystem of "technology + capital + market." Support the large-scale application of BIPV in elderly care communities invested in by insurance companies such as China Life, playing a leading and exemplary role.

Strengthening Capacity Building: Conduct BIPV technology training for managers of elderly care institutions to improve operation and maintenance capabilities. Add BIPV-related courses to vocational schools to cultivate versatile talents. Establish a platform for sharing BIPV application experiences in elderly care institutions to promote the dissemination of best practices.

The improvement of the policy environment and industry standards is a gradual process, requiring the joint efforts of government, enterprises, academia, and all sectors of society. With the deepening of the "dual carbon" strategy and the increasing pressure of responding to aging, policies on the application of BIPV in health care real estate and elderly care institutions are expected to be further strengthened, providing institutional guarantees and technical support for the development of green elderly care. Through the dual synergy of policy guidance and market-driven forces, building-integrated photovoltaics will inevitably become the standard configuration for the low-carbon and high-quality development of future elderly care buildings.

The application prospects of building-integrated photovoltaics and energy storage technology in health care real estate and elderly care institutions are broad, but they also face challenges in various aspects such as technology, economy, and society. Accurately grasping future development trends and preparing for potential risks are crucial for promoting the healthy and sustainable development of the industry. This section will, based on the current technological evolution path and market dynamics, look forward to the development direction of BIPV in elderly-friendly buildings, analyze potential obstacles, and put forward corresponding countermeasures and suggestions.

1. Technological Innovation and Material Revolution

The future development of BIPV technology will revolve around three core dimensions: efficiency improvement, cost reduction, and functional integration. In terms of photovoltaic materials, perovskite solar cells are considered an ideal choice for the next generation of BIPV due to their high theoretical efficiency, low manufacturing cost, and flexibility. Compared with the current mainstream crystalline silicon cells, perovskite cells are easier to meet the architectural aesthetic requirements of semi-transparency and colorfulness, and have better low-light performance, suitable for installation in non-optimal orientations such as facades. The State Power Investment Group has made breakthroughs in the field of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film batteries, with a laboratory efficiency of 22.9%. If perovskite and CIGS can be combined to form a tandem battery in the future, the efficiency is expected to be increased to over 30%, significantly increasing the power generation per unit area.

The molecular-level integration of building materials and photovoltaics is another important direction. Traditional BIPV is "component-level" integration, where photovoltaic components are combined with building materials as independent units; while the future may develop into "material-level" integration, where photovoltaic functions are directly embedded in the building material matrix. Such as photovoltaic concrete, photovoltaic glass curtain walls, etc., realizing the true "every inch of building surface can generate electricity." The "Building Facade Smart Green Energy System" developed by Shaanxi Zhongyi Jian Smart Green Energy Building Research Institute allows every inch of the building's "skin" to generate electricity, while meeting various needs such as building power consumption, communication, prevention and control, logistics, and operation and maintenance management5. This deep integration technology is particularly suitable for places such as elderly care institutions that have special requirements for building appearance and function.

Energy storage technology will also usher in innovation. Currently, lithium-ion batteries dominate the building energy storage market, but there are concerns about safety and cycle life, especially for sensitive places such as elderly care institutions. In the future, new energy storage technologies such as solid-state batteries and flow batteries will provide safer solutions. At the same time, the combination of thermal energy storage technology and BIPV also has great potential. For example, phase change material (PCM) energy storage can well match the heating and cooling needs of elderly care institutions. The "six constant" system used in Baoji Ruyi Yinxianangyang Community incorporates thermal energy storage technology in temperature control, and this model is expected to be more widely applied.

In terms of system integration, artificial intelligence and digital twin technology will drive BIPV systems towards intelligence and adaptability. The "integrated photovoltaic and storage" project in Qujing, Huize has already attempted to use digital twin technology to build a distributed power management system model. In the future, this technology will be combined with AI algorithms to achieve more accurate power generation prediction and load matching. For elderly care institutions, this intelligent system can not only optimize energy use but also indirectly monitor the activity patterns of the elderly through energy consumption data analysis, providing a reference for health management.

2. Special Application Trends of Elderly-Friendly Buildings

In the field of health care real estate and elderly care institutions, BIPV technology will show some special development trends. Health-empowering photovoltaic building materials will become a research focus. In addition to power generation functions, these products can also improve indoor environmental quality, such as photovoltaic curtain walls with air purification functions and photovoltaic windows that can adjust light transmission to improve sleep. The "constant clean" system used in Xi'an Gaoxin Tiangu Ya She Kindergarten effectively filters harmful substances such as PM2.5, dust, and bacteria through new wind and electronic purifiers. In the future, these functions can be directly integrated into BIPV building materials.

Emergency backup photovoltaic and storage systems are also a key area of demand for elderly care institutions. In view of the poor tolerance of the elderly to power outages, future BIPV systems will place more emphasis on off-grid operation capabilities and seamless switching functions. The experience of the "integrated photovoltaic and storage" project in Qujing, Huize, Yunnan can be used for reference. Through the synergy of the energy storage system and the static var compensator (SVG), the power quality of key loads such as medical equipment can be ensured. Furthermore, a "microgrid-as-a-service" model for elderly care institutions can be developed, where professional energy companies are responsible for the construction and operation of the microgrid, and elderly care institutions purchase energy security services on demand.

In terms of building morphology, low-density, decentralized health care communities are more suitable for the application of BIPV technology. The China Life's Guoshou Jiayuan Beijing Lejing project adopts the planning concept of "two axes + nine gardens," with moderate building density and a greening rate exceeding 30%, providing ample space for photovoltaic installation. In the future, such low-density elderly care communities will become the mainstream scenario for BIPV applications, while high-rise elderly care institutions may use more facade photovoltaics and photovoltaic windows. In terms of elderly-friendly design, BIPV products will pay more attention to safety (such as electric shock prevention and glare prevention) and maintainability. The bolt-free seam structure of Trina Solar is a good start.

Table: Future Application Scenarios of BIPV in Elderly Care Institutions

3. Business Model and Industrial Ecosystem Innovation

The large-scale application of BIPV in the elderly care field requires breaking through traditional business models and building more flexible and diverse value realization paths. The main factor currently restricting the promotion of BIPV is the high initial investment cost. In the future, various financial innovations will be used to lower the threshold. The "energy cost entrustment" model for elderly care institutions is a feasible option, where energy service companies are responsible for the investment and operation of the BIPV system, and elderly care institutions purchase energy services at a fixed price, avoiding large upfront investments. Elderly care communities invested in by insurance companies such as China Life can use the advantages of long-term stable insurance funds48 to hold BIPV as infrastructure for long-term use, obtaining stable returns.

Carbon asset development will become an important supplementary income for BIPV projects. With the continuous improvement of the national carbon market, the emission reductions achieved by elderly care institutions through BIPV can be developed into carbon assets for trading. The photovoltaic renovation project of Building No. 3 of Yulin High-tech Zone Innovation and Entrepreneurship Park reduces carbon dioxide emissions by about 202.14 tons per year, and similarly, the annual emission reduction of a BIPV system in a medium-sized elderly care community can reach 500-1000 tons. Based on the current carbon price, the annual carbon revenue can reach tens of thousands of yuan. Although the amount is not large, as a long-term and stable supplementary income, it has a positive significance for improving the financial situation of elderly care institutions.

The industrial ecosystem will shift from "single combat" to collaborative symbiosis. In the future, an industrial ecosystem will be formed with the participation of photovoltaic enterprises, builders, elderly care operators, financial institutions, and other parties. The strategic cooperation between China Construction Xingye and Kunshan Municipal Government is an example. The two sides plan to promote the implementation of BIPV projects with a total scale of no less than 10 billion yuan in the next five years. Similarly, photovoltaic enterprises can establish strategic partnerships with elderly care community developers to form a win-win situation of "technology + capital + market." Elderly care communities invested by insurance companies, such as Taikang and Guoshou Jiayuan, can become demonstration windows for BIPV technology, driving the development of the entire industry.

4. Challenges and Countermeasures

Despite the broad prospects, the application of BIPV in the elderly care field still faces multiple challenges that require joint efforts from the industry to overcome. Cost barriers are the most direct constraint. Although the long-term economic benefits of BIPV are significant, the initial investment is higher than that of traditional building materials and conventional energy systems. Countermeasures include: reducing product costs through large-scale production; developing green financial products to reduce capital costs; and innovating business models to reduce users' initial investment. China Construction Xingye's LIGHT series has significantly reduced costs through standardized design and mass production, and this path is worth promoting.

Cognitive limitations are another major obstacle. Many elderly care institution managers have limited understanding of BIPV technology and find it difficult to make scientific decisions. To this end, demonstration projects and case promotion should be strengthened. For example, the Shenzhen Qianhai Huafa Ice and Snow World project generates 6.3 million kWh of electricity per year, and the Yulin High-tech Zone Innovation and Entrepreneurship Park Building No. 3 reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 202 tons per year. These successful cases are the most convincing for potential users. At the same time, technical training should be conducted for managers of elderly care institutions to improve their ability to evaluate and operate BIPV systems.

The lack of standards also restricts the development of the industry. BIPV products must meet both photovoltaic component standards and building material specifications, and the coordination and unification of the two still need to be strengthened. NPC deputy Ma Yongping suggested that "standards for the acceptance of BIPV should be introduced as soon as possible, covering strength, safety, waterproofing, and fire protection, etc." This suggestion needs to be implemented urgently. As a special type of building, elderly care institutions also need to formulate special BIPV application guidelines, considering special requirements such as aging in place.

Grid coordination is a long-term challenge. With the large-scale development of building-integrated photovoltaics, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the power grid has become an important issue. The State Council's "Work Plan to Accelerate the Promotion of Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction in the Construction Field" requires "promoting the overall participation of building clusters in electricity demand response and peak regulation." This needs to be achieved through market mechanisms and technological innovation. The energy storage system of elderly care institutions should be designed as a "dual-mode" system that can operate both on-grid and off-grid, both participating in grid interaction and ensuring its own power supply safety.

The application of building-integrated photovoltaics and energy storage technology in health care real estate and elderly care institutions is at a critical turning point from demonstration and promotion to large-scale development. In the next 5-10 years, with technological maturity, cost reduction, policy improvement, and increased awareness, BIPV will become standard equipment for elderly care buildings, promoting the development of the elderly care industry towards low-carbon and high-quality development. Through the joint efforts of the entire industry to overcome the various challenges currently faced, the concept of "green elderly care" will surely become deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, providing sustainable solutions to the dual challenges of population aging and climate change.