Building-integrated photovoltaics

Abstract

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) serves the dual purpose of fulfilling functional and architectural roles within buildings while generating electricity. However, the 10% photovoltaic (PV) market share in Switzerland could be an indication of the future relevance of BIPV in a global context, in which the gap is given by the shy presence of BIPV in most of the world with less than 1% of installed PV power. In this Review, we examine evolution and implementation of BIPV and the limitations and barriers to its broader adoption. BIPV is technologically mature and enables local electricity generation. Increasing aesthetics and reliability with decreasing cost and installation complexity can further improve the technology attractiveness. The mainstream PV market is dominated by increasingly efficient and cost-effective crystalline silicon solar modules. These trends make BIPV more economically viable — in Europe, the net present value of BIPV systems is positive — and influence uptake. The emergence of coloured solutions (such as coloured foils, digital ceramic printing or interferential coating) could enable a broader range of aesthetic designs. However, the fast BIPV implementation is limited by the remaining barriers as first lacks of awareness and expertise, then perceived risks and lately the gap in digitalization. Continued innovation, integration into building information modelling systems and recognition of BIPV as standard building components are essential for a widespread adoption. Incorporating solar panels into the built environment prevents land-use competition, but aesthetic concerns can prevent widespread uptake. This Review describes advances in solar cell technology and building design to enable seamless integration of photovoltaic modules into building envelopes.