Building integrated photovoltaics, or BIPV in short, is a photovoltaic technology applied in the primary phase of constructions of a building structure. This technology is gaining attention owing to its less hazardous nature concerning environment and the lower cost of electricity generation compared to the traditional power generating units. BIPV integration curbs the entire cost of construction significantly.
The global BIPV market includes curtain wall, rooftop, and BIPV window. The zero energy building policy, which is practiced strictly in the U.S. and the European countries, has been achieved efficiently through the support of BIPV products. The BIPV products market has witnessed an impressive growth in recent past. In 2012, the rooftop BIPV market held around 67% share of the overall market. The rapid development of the curtain wall technologies attributed to the emergence of BIPV in the commercial industry. Industry experts predict that the curtain wall BIPV segment will to be the fastest-developing product segment between 2013 and 2019.
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Based on technology, C-Si, thin film, and other such as DSC and OPV are the market segments of the global BIPV industry. The high level of competence and lower costs of the first generation technologies such as C-Si are experiencing rise in the demand from the construction sector. Silicon is one of the key raw materials used in the production of C-Si BIPV modules. The evolution of second and third generation BIPV technologies added with abundant silicon availability in the nature has headed to the significant decline in the cost of C-Si BIPV module as the low raw material cost makes C-Si technology economical compared to others. This factor is expected to stimulate the demand for C-Si technology in the coming years.
The second generation technologies such as thin films are more effective compared to first generation ones. The amount of flexibility and simplistic integration offered by the thin film technology are projected to attract more customers, thereby propelling the growth of this market segment. DSC and OPV are the third generation technologies, which are currently in the developing phase. However, the industry experts forecast that this BIPV market segment has high potential for the future growth; hence, some enterprises such as Dyesol are targeting the third generation technologies market.
Commercial Market Segment to Retain its Leadership Holding Maximum Share in End-use Industry
On the basis of end users, the global BIPV industry is classified into residential, commercial, and industrial market. The novel regulations and policies regarding the usage of the renewable energy and subsidies on the solar energy are driving the development of the commercial end-use segment for BIPV market. Various laws pertaining to environment such as the Renewable Energy Law of 2006 enforced in China are stimulating the usage of renewable energy in the commercial sector.
On account of these factors, the commercial market segment is estimated to maintain its dominance by holding the highest share in the BIPV end-use market. The increase in the population in Asia and the initiatives undertaken by the governments are creating opportunity-rich market for BIPV in the residential sector. However, the industrial end-use segment is likely to develop at a slower pace as compared to others.
Europe Maintaining Dominance with 41% Share in Global Market
The regional market for BIPV in Europe led the global industry in 2012. With more than 41% share in the overall market, based on annual installations, this region is one of the dominating BIPV markets. North America held around 27% share of the total volume produced in 2012. Asia Pacific is emerging as an attractive market for commercial growth. This region is likely to exhibit a healthy growth rate in the coming years.
First Solar Inc., Sharp Solar, Onyx Solar Group LLC, Sapa Soar, CENTROSOLAR Group AG, Ascent Solar Technologies Inc, ertex solartechnik GmbH, Heliatek GmbH, Ecotemis, Pythagoras Solar, and Power Film, Inc. are the major players participating in the global BIPV industry.
