What is BIPV? and Application Scenarios

Various application scenarios for BIPV

BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) is a technology that integrates photovoltaic modules into the building structure, enabling the building itself to generate electricity while meeting the aesthetic and functional needs of the building. Not only does it provide clean energy, but it also serves the function of building materials such as roofs, curtain walls, windows, etc. BIPV systems can reduce a building's dependence on traditional energy sources, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the aesthetics and sustainability of the building.

BIPV replaces traditional building materials by integrating photovoltaic modules into building structures such as roofs, curtain walls and sun shading, realizing the integration of power generation and building material functions. Distinguished from traditional attached photovoltaic (BAPV), BIPV is an integral part of the building, rather than a power generation device added later.

Main features of BIPV

1. Dual Function

BIPV can be used as building components, such as roofs, curtain walls, skylights, etc., and can also generate electricity through sunlight.

2. Energy saving and emission reduction

As the solar power is converted into electricity and stored in the battery, it reduces the consumption of electricity, reduces the carbon emission of the building, and increases the proportion of renewable energy use.

3. Aesthetics

As solar panels can be designed into different shapes, colors and light transmittance, they integrate with the architectural style and create a certain aesthetics.

4. Economic Benefits

From the long-term perspective of BIVP, it can reduce the energy cost of the building and even enjoy government subsidies or tax incentives in some areas.

5. Enhancement of building value

Buildings with BIPV technology are often considered more modern and sustainable.

6. Economic and environmental benefits

The full life cycle cost of BIPV is reduced and the incremental payback period is shortened to 5-8 years.

Diverse application scenarios

BIPV can be installed on roofs, curtain walls and façades, shading and light roofs, etc., so it can be applied to a variety of scenarios.

1. Industrial and commercial building projects

Factory Roofs

Industrial and commercial plant roof area is large and flat, suitable for the use of BIPV instead of the traditional color steel tiles, both power generation, waterproofing, heat insulation, life expectancy of more than 25 years, but the traditional color steel tiles only 10-15 years. For example, a green building in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province adopts BIPV roof and realizes 50.9KW installed capacity, which meets LEED platinum green building standards.

Commercial Complex

BIPV mounted to the building cover

Shopping malls, office buildings, etc. can realize the integration of power generation and architectural aesthetics through the design of BIPV curtain walls and light roofs to reduce operating costs. For example, the Boao Forum for Asia Zero Carbon Park in Hainan Province adopts photovoltaic roofs to realize energy self-sufficiency.

2. Public Infrastructure

Schools, hospitals and other public buildings

Installing BIPV on the roofs and facades of public buildings can significantly reduce the energy consumption of public facilities. For example, Tianjin Eco-Energy Station achieves regional energy optimization through BIPV curtain wall and smart grid technology.

Transportation Hubs

Large-scale transportation facilities such as airports and high-speed rail stations can combine BIPV sunshade corridors or roofs to combine power generation and sunshade functions. For example, the BIPV design of the Xiong'an Business Exhibition Center in Hebei Province demonstrates the potential for such scenarios.

3. Residential buildings

Villa roof BIPV effect

Villa roof BIPV effect

BIPV modules can be installed on the roofs of residential homes to meet the demand for self-consumption of electricity, and the excess power can be connected to the grid to generate revenue. Colorful curtain walls and customized designs can also enhance the aesthetics of the building.

4. Special Scenario Projects

Agricultural greenhouse

Agricultural greenhouses use BIPV systems to not only meet the light needs of crops, but also provide power for irrigation, temperature control and other equipment, promoting the low-carbonization of agriculture.

Remote and off-grid areas

BIPV can provide stable power supply to off-grid areas, such as border guard posts and communication base stations.

Building Facades and Shading Facilities

BIPV modules can be integrated into curtain walls, façade shading panels, and more. For example, a photovoltaic town in Sweden has realized the unity of architectural artistry and power generation efficiency through colorful curtain wall technology.

Current Market Situation

Insufficient industry standards and cognition

The technical standard system has not yet been perfected due to the different standards of the design institutes of various PV energy companies and the lack of understanding of BIPV in the public market.

Technology and market synergy lags behind

BIPV products are not standardized due to the unified specifications, so the choice of the market has certain limitations, some of the architects are concerned about the maturity of the technology and adaptability.

Future Prospects

The BIPV market is expected to reach RMB 400 billion in 2030, with the penetration rate increasing from 0.1% to 5%. In particular, cross-border cooperation, such as joint research and development between PV companies and construction companies, will accelerate technology iteration and commercialization.

BIPV is expected to become a green building “standard”, contributing 10%-15% emission reduction for carbon neutrality, especially in the commercial and industrial distributed energy system to become a mainstream program.

Summarize

BIPV, as an innovative direction of cross-border integration of building and energy, is promoting the upgrading of the building industry to green, low-carbon and intelligent through environmental policy guidance, technological innovation and market synergy, realizing self-sufficient power supply for buildings, improving energy utilization efficiency, reducing building energy consumption, and featuring the advantages of aesthetics, energy-saving and environmental protection.