Exploring the Ripple Effects of BIPV Commercialization in India: Sectors Set to Benefit
India is growing fast with its buildings, infrastructure and
its population. It is estimated that 70% of urban infrastructure for India,
2047 is yet to be built. Such a huge development requires energy to construct,
operate and demolish. These energy
extensive projects will have an exceedingly harmful impact on the non-renewable
resources if alternatives are not developed in time. Although India is already developing energy
generating infrastructure to align with its vision for a Net Zero country by
2050, the land resource required for such developments is massive and will be
scarce in future. It is necessary to explore other potential areas which can be
used to harness the solar energy to generate electricity. One such solution is
the built-up area itself, by using BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic). Building-integrated
photovoltaic (BIPV) refers to photovoltaic (PV) materials that are integrated
into a building envelope, such as roofs, facades, windows, and skylights. BIPV
materials serve a dual purpose: They function both as conventional building
elements and as electricity producers. This integration means that BIPV systems
can replace standard building materials while simultaneously generating
electricity. India has been estimated to have a BIPV of approximately 309 GW. While
its direct applications lie in the construction and renewable energy industries
to generate electricity, the commercial
usage and manufacturing of BIPV have far-reaching impacts across several other
sectors and occupations.
Here’s a look at how BIPV commercialization can create
opportunities and revolutionize various fields in India.
1. Architecture and Urban Planning
With introduction of BIPV in the Indian market, there will
be a new scope for the architects and planners to innovate on different levels
of the urban development, and device integrated approach towards planning of
localities and designing of buildings. As the scope will not just be related to
building alone, a thorough study of the solar potential (Global Horizontal
Irradiance) will be required to plan the land use zones and bylaws accordingly.
Not just limited to the new construction, the scope also
extends to the retrofit projects, where structural, radiation analysis will be
required to check the potential and integrity of the system. The added benefit
lies in the aesthetic of the building where a major function will be introduced
to the building envelope, of energy generation.
introduces new design possibilities for architects and urban planners,
allowing them to integrate renewable energy solutions seamlessly into building
facades, rooftops, and skylights.
Opportunity: Urban planners and Architects can
incorporate BIPV in cityscapes, designing "net-zero" communities
powered by solar energy.
2. Real Estate and Property Development
With growing awareness of green buildings and
energy-efficient homes, real estate developers can capitalize on BIPV to offer
premium eco-friendly properties.
- Impact:
Developers can market BIPV-integrated buildings as sustainable and
cost-effective solutions, attracting environmentally conscious buyers and
tenants.
- Opportunity:
Enhanced property value and compliance with government regulations on
energy efficiency will give developers a competitive edge.
3. Electrical and Energy Management
BIPV systems can boost the
industry with new professions like clean energy consultants , BIPV engineers
and Energy Management professionals. It will benefit the sectors of electrical
engineering and Mechanical engineering.
Opportunity: BIPV consultants will play a vital role
in designing, installing, and maintaining BIPV systems and the Energy management
professions can optimize power generation, storage, and consumption in
BIPV-powered buildings.
4. Manufacturing and Materials Science
Launch of new product which aligns with the vision of ‘Net
zero’ can benefit the manufacturing sector. There are many components to BIPV
which can be innovated and used as different elements of the buildings. The
different components include BIPV inverters, interconnectors, monitoring
systems, electrotechnicals, solar glass and thin film photovoltaic. The
innovations will also become a subject of study for the material science
professionals.
Manufacturing units producing solar panels and specialized
glass will witness increased demand.
Opportunity: Manufacturing units producing solar
panels and specialized glass will witness increased demand. Materials
scientists will drive advancements in lightweight, durable, and cost-efficient
photovoltaic materials.
5. Skilled Trades and Installation Services
Since BIPV will be a newer technology to India. A lot of
skilled workmanship will be required to learn to install and maintain the efficiency
of the technology for years of its functioning. And with so much research going
into the maintenance of the BIPV system, skilled workforce, including
electricians, glass fabricators, and solar panel installers will be required in
numbers for their service.
Opportunity: Training programs in solar technology
and glass installation will empower the workforce. Job creation across urban
and rural areas where BIPV systems are implemented.
6. IT and Smart Building Technology
Through different case studies it is known that BIPV-enabled
buildings often incorporate IoT and smart technology for energy monitoring and
optimization. These systems are required to channel the energy generated for
either consumption, storage or being given back to the grid. They manages the
campus consumption using software and building management systems.
Opportunity: Software developers and IT professionals
can create tools for real-time energy analytics, smart grid management, and
automation. Companies specializing in smart building systems will benefit from
integrating BIPV with AI-driven energy solutions.
7. Research and Development
India’s academia and R&D sector can leverage BIPV’s rise
to drive innovation in photovoltaic technology and its applications. From the
type of solar glass to coloured BIPV, including studies to enhance the
efficiency of the BIPV system will become a subject for the researchers and
developers. Not just the product but, researches in terms of building
performance studies, indoor environmental studies and daylight studies will be
encouraged. Proper geological climatic studies will be preferred to design the
right BIPV system for a location and project.
Opportunity: Universities and research institutes
will focus on improving the efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness of
BIPV systems. Collaborative projects between academia and industry can
accelerate technological advancements and skill development.
8. Government and Policy Development
With BIPV in the market a new set policies and standards
will be required to guide the people about its application and design. These
standards will be framed under Sustainability sections of building codes and
green building norms. Policymakers will play a crucial role in driving the
adoption of BIPV by implementing supportive measures such as financial
subsidies, tax incentives, and mandatory regulations for energy-efficient
building practices. They can further promote BIPV through targeted awareness
campaigns highlighting its environmental and economic benefits. A newer version
of RECs will evolve and it will be important to maintain the implementation of
the same under the said policies. By integrating BIPV into urban planning and
public infrastructure projects, policymakers can accelerate its adoption and
contribute to India’s renewable energy and sustainability goals.
Opportunity: Ministries and local governments can
promote energy independence and sustainability by mandating BIPV in public
infrastructure. New policies will foster job creation and investment in
renewable energy sectors.
9. Banking and Finance
The commercialization of BIPV demands substantial
investment, presenting a unique opportunity for financial institutions to
create specialized funding solutions. Banks and non-banking financial companies
(NBFCs) can offer green loans, subsidies, and tailored financing packages to
support developers and manufacturers. Additionally, the rise of BIPV opens
doors for innovative instruments like green bonds and venture capital funding,
fostering investment in sustainable technologies while driving economic growth
in the renewable energy sector.
Opportunity: Banks and NBFCs can offer loans, green
bonds, and subsidies to developers and manufacturers. Venture capitalists and investors
will see BIPV as a lucrative green investment opportunity.
10. Education and Training
As the adoption of Building Integrated Photovoltaic accelerates, the demand for skilled
professionals and awareness programs will rise significantly. Educational
institutions and vocational training centers can play a key role by offering
specialized courses in BIPV design, manufacturing, and installation.
Simultaneously, awareness initiatives can highlight the benefits of BIPV among
architects, developers, and consumers, ensuring a well-equipped workforce and
informed stakeholders to support the widespread implementation of this
innovative technology.
Opportunity: Educational institutions can introduce
specialized courses in BIPV design, manufacturing, and installation. Vocational
training centers can upskill workers in solar energy and construction fields.
The commercial usage and manufacturing of BIPV in India
extend beyond energy generation, impacting a wide array of sectors. From
architecture and real estate to IT, manufacturing, and education, BIPV offers a
pathway for economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
India’s focus on renewable energy, backed by initiatives
like the National Solar Mission, makes BIPV a pivotal component of its energy
strategy. By fostering collaborations between industries, academia, and
government, India can unlock the full potential of BIPV, paving the way for a
greener and more prosperous future.
Hi Rishabh,
ReplyDeletethanks for your blog, was really interesting to read.
Let me reply some short answers according to your 10 points
Opportunity 1. Architecture and Urban Planning:
Huge training program is necessary. But I would say that this target group needs to be “sensitized”.
In other words, they need to be taught the topics you mentioned, but they don't necessarily have to do yield simulations as an example.
That can be done by experts. But both should speak the same language and have the same basic understanding.
Opportunity 2. Real Estate and Property Development
As I heard during the discussion on December 5th at the TERI side event as part of the GRIHA summit, the real estate industry is already interested.
But they also need to be fed with the right concepts. If it doesn't pay off, it won't be done. But what leads to a positive payback should be discussed with them.
Opportunity 3. Electrical and Energy Management
BIPV has been proven to have a positive effect on flattening the generation curve. In other words, the power peaks in the entire grid at midday would decrease as a result.
Opportunity 4. Manufacturing and Materials Science
You mentioned that Materials scientists will drive advancements in lightweight, durable, and cost-efficient photovoltaic materials.
I would add one important topic: efficient
One example mentioned here is interference technology, which is already being used intensively here in Europe.
Opportunity 5. Skilled Trades and Installation Services
Nothing to add, only the fact that BIPV is a very local business, so every region must train its own experts
Opportunity 6. IT and Smart Building Technology
Agree 100% with you.
Coordinating production and consumption will relieve the strain on the grids!
Opportunity 7. Research and Development
Agree, plus you could use the European BIPV ecosystem and involve it into your R&D landscape.
Opportunity 8. Government and Policy Development
I have to smile a little at this opportunity.
During my trip to India at the beginning of December, I got to know 2 extreme poles in this respect.
One side is in the starting blocks for new or additional standards, the other is more of a “do what to do” kind of person.
I suspect that it will be a middle way, but I don't know the Indian mentality well enough for that.
Opportunity 9. Banking and Finance
In my view, this could be a good lever.
If the real estate industry is not interested in additional investments, a model could look like this: The builders finance the building “business as usual”.
The banks develop a model in which they finance the additional BIPV expenditure (only the add on costs to the normal facade) and refinance it again via green financial products.
Of course, this raises a lot of questions about ownership and so on, but I think it would be an interesting approach.
Opportunity 10. Education and Training
You wrote: “As the adoption of Building Integrated Photovoltaic accelerates, the demand for skilled professionals and awareness programs will rise significantly.”
In my humble opinion, training (at all levels) should start intensively now.
Otherwise it will always be a chicken and egg problem.
Hope we can discuss it in more detail in the future.
Have a nice day and beste wishes for 2025.
Dieter
Hi Dieter,
ReplyDeleteThankyou for such an elaborate and insightful review. This will help me navigate through different prospects of BIPV and where should I focus for better knowledge.