Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

What is BIPV?

• BIPV integrates solar panels directly into a building’s structure, such as façades, roofs, windows, and railings.

• It serves dual purposes: power generation and acting as a structural component.

Advantages

• Transforms building elements (e.g., glass, tiles) into energy-generating surfaces.

• Delivers long-term savings despite higher initial costs.

• Utilizes structural features without requiring additional space.

Applications

• Façades: Semi-transparent solar panels as cladding or curtain walls.

• Roofs: Replace traditional materials with solar panels.

• Windows and Skylights: Transparent panels allow light entry while generating energy.

• Balconies, atriums, and canopies for residential and public infrastructure.

BIPVs in India

Current Status

• India’s urban areas face space constraints for traditional rooftop solar systems.

• Prominent installations:

  • CtrlS Datacenters in Navi Mumbai.

  • Renewable Energy Museum in Kolkata.

  • Jindal Steel & Power Ltd. in Odisha.

  • Railway stations in Vijayawada and Sahibabad.

Potential

• A high-rise with a 4,000 sq. ft rooftop can generate ~40 kWp via RTS; its south-facing façade alone can produce ~150 kWp with BIPV.

• Urban population projections (600M by 2031, 850M by 2051) demand space-efficient solutions.

Challenges and Solutions

Barriers to Adoption

• High initial costs.

• Policy gaps and lack of dedicated incentives.

• Limited awareness and technical capacity.

• Dependence on imports for components.

Recommendations for Scaling Up

1. Incentives:

   • Expand solar schemes (e.g., PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana) to include higher subsidies for BIPV.

   • Learn from Seoul’s model, which subsidizes up to 80% of installation costs.

2. Policy and Standards:

   • Embed BIPV in India’s National Building Code, Energy Conservation Building Code, and Eco Niwas Samhita.

   • Enforce mandatory solar adoption in new buildings.

3. Awareness and Capacity Building:

   • Demonstrate BIPV via pilot projects in public infrastructure.

   • Conduct training and awareness programs for architects and developers.

4. Indigenous Manufacturing:

   • Introduce production-linked incentives for BIPV components.

   • Boost research and development in solar technologies.

5. Financial Models:

   • Leverage Renewable Energy Service Company models and long-term power purchase agreements to enhance project viability.

Why BIPV Matters for India

• Land-neutral solutions like BIPV are vital for achieving India’s target of 300 GW solar capacity by 2030.

• Potential for BIPV in existing buildings: ~309 GW.

• Nearly 70% of India’s urban infrastructure for 2047 is yet to be built, highlighting BIPV’s role in future sustainable development.