Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Market Report

The increasing disposable income levels and growing preference for integrated installations in both residential and commercial buildings are expected to drive demand for the product in the coming years. Ongoing innovations in the industry are also expected to make the product operationally more efficient, which would also support the growth of the market. However, this is expected to fuel demand for building-integrated photovoltaics as alternative energy sources are increasingly becoming mainstream globally. Specifically, the need for integrated roof systems in commercial and industrial buildings is expected to boost adoption. Furthermore, advancements in thin-film BIPV module manufacturing technology and improvements in product efficiency are poised to contribute to market expansion over the forecast period. This combination of factors is expected to drive growth in the BIPV market.

The drivers for the global building-integrated photovoltaics market will include growth in the demand for sustainable energy solutions and a global push toward decarbonization. With international agreements like the Paris Agreement setting ambitious emission reduction targets, BIPV technologies are gaining traction as they directly align with net-zero goals. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the capacity of renewable across the globe will expand by more than 5,520 GW between 2024 and 2030, mainly through solar PV. Incentives and policies, as in Europe, the United States, and China, are further propelling BIPV across the globe, with buildings increasingly designed to meet nearly zero-energy standards. BIPV systems offer a unique advantage by integrating solar power generation directly into building infrastructure, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering carbon footprints, thus supporting both sustainability and energy efficiency objectives globally.

Advances in photovoltaic technology continue to surge the global building-integrated photovoltaics market. Efficiencies from about 10% to over 20% conversion rates for solar panels have made solar energy more accessible and affordable.  Innovations like perovskite-silicon tandem cells have pushed efficiency even further, with recent breakthroughs, including LONGi's 26.81% efficiency record in 2023, highlighting their potential. Bifacial solar panels, which absorb sunlight from both sides, and flexible, lightweight solar technologies are opening up new BIPV applications in various environments, from commercial buildings to wearable tech. The IEA predicts that solar capacity will triple by 2030; thus, these innovations are necessary to meet the global renewable energy targets. In addition, the integration of energy storage and smart monitoring technologies is enhancing system efficiency, ensuring that BIPV solutions remain central to sustainable, low-carbon building designs.

The global building-integrated photovoltaics market is increasingly driven by roof tiles, which have emerged as the leading segment. These tiles can perfectly integrate with current infrastructure, providing an excellent alternative for new buildings and retrofits. Roof tiles are more effective than other types of BIPV solutions such as glass facades or solar shingles cause offers better durability and weather resistance together with aesthetic advantages, especially when traditional tiled roofing is prevalent. Their ability to efficiently cover the entire roof surface for energy generation while blending with the building's design has made them a preferred option for residential and commercial projects alike. Additionally, ongoing advancements in production technology are driving down installation costs, enhancing their cost-effectiveness, and boosting adoption across diverse global markets.

Crystalline Silicon (c-Si) photovoltaics, both monocrystalline and polycrystalline, currently dominate the building integrated photovoltaics market globally. They offer the highest efficiency, longer durability, and established manufacturing processes. The energy conversion rates of c-Si panels range between 18-22% and surpass that of other thin-film technologies, which are less suited to small roof and facade spaces. Their long lifespan, typically 25-30 years, and resilience against environmental factors further enhance their appeal for building integration. Moreover, c-Si technology matured, ensuring that its production cost would be less, thereby making it cost-effective and economically viable. With design versatility and government incentives, crystalline silicon is highly preferred by the architects and the builders, for sustainable construction when performance and aesthetic demand are priorities.

• Increased adoption of BIPV in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings for energy efficiency.
• Advancements in solar panel aesthetics, integrating seamlessly into architectural designs and facades.
• Government incentives and regulations boosting BIPV integration in urban development projects.
• Integration of energy storage systems with BIPV for more reliable, off-grid solutions.
• Rising demand for smart building technologies enhancing BIPV energy management and monitoring.

The global building-integrated photovoltaics market is exposed to several threats that may hinder its growth. Traditional solar panels are preferred due to their easier installation process, and established installation practices, which result in lower upfront costs. Additionally, energy storage systems, such as lithium-ion batteries, present a competitive alternative, offering flexibility and energy security when paired with conventional solar panels. BIPVs may struggle to match the energy yield of traditional panels due to factors like shading and suboptimal angles. Moreover, green roofs and cool roofs, which offer sustainability and energy efficiency without generating power, are gaining popularity, particularly in regions focused on aesthetic design and environmental performance. Smart building technologies, which optimize energy use through intelligent systems, may also reduce the reliance on BIPVs, as they focus on enhancing energy efficiency rather than energy generation.

The global building-integrated photovoltaics market faces several key challenges, primarily driven by supply chain vulnerabilities. The silicon, rare earth elements, and specialized glass, on which this market relies, expose it to availability fluctuations and price volatility. For instance, disruptions in the silicon wafer supply chain along with geopolitical tensions have caused prices to rise. The second problem is associated with the raw materials used to extract indium and gallium. The whole process of solar glass production consumes a lot of energy and causes shortages of raw materials. Custom components, including roofing tiles and integrated inverters, further complicate the supply process, with specialty materials often difficult to source. As demand for BIPVs grows, these challenges could delay projects, increase costs, and impede technological innovation.
 

Major industry players use strategies of new product launches, mergers with competitors, and buying companies to expand their customer base and improve their offerings. In June 2024, Fraunhofer ISE, in collaboration with project partners, initiated the development of a system aimed at streamlining the integration of photovoltaics into building facades. This innovation, set to be published as a VDI guideline, addresses the current challenges of complex, costly installations. By offering standardized solutions, the project is poised to significantly impact the building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) market, enhancing cost-efficiency and accelerating adoption.

Moreover, in January 2024, Arctech, a global leader in solar tracking, racking, and BIPV solutions, formed a strategic alliance with Turkey's Alpon Energy. This partnership boosted Arctech’s presence in Turkey, with Alpon Energy providing project management, logistical, and technical support. The move is expected to accelerate the adoption of building integrated photovoltaics in the region, aligning with Turkey's ambitious renewable energy goals and stimulating local market growth. Furthermore, in October 2023, LONGi Solar and Solar Frontier formed a strategic collaboration to strengthen their presence in Japan's solar market. LONGi’s advanced PV technologies, including the Hi-MO X6 series, and Solar Frontier’s expertise in installations aim to drive growth in the building-integrated photovoltaics sector. This collaboration is poised to accelerate BIPV adoption, particularly in Japan's commercial and industrial buildings, supporting the country's sustainability goals.

However, in October 2024, Trina Solar Evergreen unveiled four innovative Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) products, targeting the public, industrial, and infrastructure sectors. The new offerings included solar tiles, industrial walls, PV noise barriers, and colored PV glass, all featuring advanced TOPCon cell technology. This move positions Trina Solar to capitalize on China’s expanding green construction sector, potentially reshaping the BIPV market with enhanced efficiency and custom solutions for building integration. In Addition, in March 2024, SUNOVATION introduced a breakthrough in building integrated photovoltaics with the launch of its innovative quarter-cell technology for glass-glass modules. By utilizing high-performance G12 cells in a new "Next Cell Technology 4" (NCT/4) format, the company set a new standard in BIPV, enhancing efficiency and design flexibility. This development is poised to accelerate BIPV adoption, reshaping the market with advanced, integrated solar solutions.

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region stands as the dominant force in the global building-integrated photovoltaics market, driven by a combination of government incentives, rapid urbanization, and technological advancements. Asia-Pacific is the prominent market for BIPVs around the globe, whereas countries like China, Japan, and South Korea have stated aggressive policies about renewable energy, among which are substantial financial considerations, such as tax breaks, subsidies, and even rebates, which were created especially for integrating solar technology into buildings. As over 54% of the world's urban population is already living in APAC, continuous urbanization in the region presents a massive market for BIPV. According to estimates by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, by 2050, Asia's urban population will increase by 50%, further increasing demand for energy-efficient and space-saving solutions such as BIPV. This has been ensured by improvements in technology and reduction of costs, especially in China, while BIPV will continue to grow further in urban developments and smart city initiatives across the region.

The European region is emerging as the fastest-growing market for building integrated photovoltaics, driven by robust government policies supporting renewable energy and sustainable construction. European countries and governments are concentrating more on achieving energy-efficient constructions and carbon-emission-free developments in cities through BIPV systems. Due to the interest in innovative photovoltaic building-integrated modules with aesthetic compatibility, the country of Germany has taken the leadership role, followed closely by others like the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, based on regulations emphasizing green architecture. Moreover, green building certifications in Europe, including LEED and BREEAM, which the continent focuses on as a means to decrease its carbon footprint, continue to fuel growth for BIPV. Top companies in Europe are First Solar, Onyx Solar, and Solaria Corporation, who have been expanding their portfolios and making strategic partnerships with architects and construction firms to include BIPV technology in building design to help determine the future of sustainable architecture in Europe.

The report provides a detailed overview of the building integrated photovoltaics market insights in regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. The country-specific assessment for building an integrated photovoltaics market has been offered for all regional market shares, along with forecasts, market scope estimates, price point assessment, and impact analysis of prominent countries and regions. Throughout this market research report, Y-o-Y growth and CAGR estimates are also incorporated for every country and region, to provide a detailed view of the building-integrated photovoltaics market. These Y-o-Y projections on regional and country-level markets brighten the political, economic, and business environment outlook, which are anticipated to have a substantial impact on the growth of the building-integrated photovoltaics market. Some key countries and regions included in the building integrated photovoltaics market report are as follows:

• Building integrated photovoltaics market detailed segments and segment-wise market breakdown
• Building integrated photovoltaics market dynamics (Recent industry trends, drivers, restraints, growth potential, opportunities in building integrated photovoltaics industry)
• Current, historical, and forthcoming 10 years market valuation in terms of building integrated photovoltaics market size (US$ Mn), volume (Square Meter), share (%), Y-o-Y growth rate, CAGR (%) analysis
• Building integrated photovoltaics market demand analysis
• Building integrated photovoltaics market pricing analysis over the forecast period (by key segment and by region)
• Building integrated photovoltaics market regional insights with region-wise market breakdown
• Competitive analysis – key companies profiling including their market share, product offerings, and competitive strategies.
• Latest developments and innovations in building integrated photovoltaics market
• Regulatory landscape by key regions and key countries
• Supply chain and value chain analysis in building integrated photovoltaics market
• Building integrated photovoltaics market sales and distribution strategies
• A comprehensive overview of the parent market
• A detailed viewpoint on building integrated photovoltaics market forecast by countries
• Mergers and acquisitions in building integrated photovoltaics market
• Essential information to enhance market position
• Robust research methodology