Steps towards an optimal building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) value chain in the Netherlands

Abstract

In the transition towards an energy neutral built environment, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) has been proposed as a way to combine energy generation with pleasing aesthetics and material savings. Despite these promising features, the adoption of BIPV has not yet shown the expected growth rate. Building on existing literature on the barriers for BIPV diffusion and based upon 27 qualitative interviews with relevant stakeholders, this research investigates current institutional, product-specific and value chain-specific conditions for a full-fledged and future-proof BIPV value chain in the Netherlands. Using the Theory of Change, practical steps to overcome these barriers were formulated. Per barrier, a prioritization value was given and this value was validated by three experts on the BIPV value chain. It can be concluded that to satisfy the institutional barriers, an interest group for the value chain is needed. Regarding product-specific conditions, the results show a strong need for research on the market demands for product characteristics. Finally, to satisfy the value chain-specific conditions, information and knowledge sharing across the whole value chain are required.