CSIR-NIIST

2 3

Indian BIPV Report 2022:

Status and Roadmap

Status Report
2022
 Report by Sponsored content

SUPSI-Swiss BIPV Competence Centre CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science

Paolo Corti, Pierluigi Bonomo and Technology
Animesh M Ramachandran, Adersh Asok
ARKA Experience centre
The here involved Institute for Applied Sustainability to CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science
the Built Environment (ISAAC) is part of the University and Technology (NIIST), is a constituent Laboratory of Offering advanced solar
of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI). the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR),
The institute, under ISO 9001 accreditation, covers sev- New Delhi, India. CSIR, established in 1942, is an roofing solutions to Indian
eral research areas in the field of renewable energy, autonomous society whose Presidential position is
rational use of building energy with particular attention carried by the Prime Minister of India. It holds one of consumers
to green building standards, building maintenance and the largest R&D conglomerates in the world with a
refurbishment, as well as technological development. dynamic pan-India network of 37 national laborato-
The building sector is active in the field of research con- ries, 39 outreach centres, 3 Innovation Complexes and Completion year 2022
4 cerning building operation, advanced solar building skin, 5 units located across India. CSIR, known for its cutting Planning & Installation SunEdison, ARKA Energy 5
sustainable materials and constructions. The Research edge R&D knowledge-base in diverse S&T areas, is a Building typology Open House
unit, with almost 20 years of experience in BIPV, is one contemporary R&D organization and categorized Category New building
of the leader groups active in federal, European and amongst the foremost scientific and industrial organi- Installed PV power 4.4 kWp
international projects of applied research, including zations in the world. CSIR is ranked at 84th among Energy production 6,970 kWh/yr
R&D, services at industries, communication and sensiti- 4,851 institutions worldwide and is the only Indian
zation. The team is active in global experts groups of organization among the top 100 global institutions,
International Energy Agency, in scientific expert com- according to the Scimago Institutions Ranking World +91 1800 102 0765
mittees for international conferences and journals, in Report 2014 (CSIR holds the 17th rank in Asia and sunedison.in/arka-collection
standardization bodies and in the main networks sup- leads the country at the first position). [email protected]
porting BIPV. The Institute also has a PVlab covering a CSIR-NIIST, one of the prime laboratory of the CSIR
wide range of electrical, climatic and mechanical tests conglomerate is located at Thiruvananthapuram, Ker-
according to IEC– standards and accredited ISO 17025. ala, the south most part of India. CSIR-NIIST is man-
The main research activities of ISAAC and specifically of dated to conduct interdisciplinary research and devel- Renewable energy pioneer SunEdison launched a new Three PowerGazebos are also constructed in the avail-
the BIPV group are focused on: opment activities of the highest quality in areas related type of residential solar solution in collaboration with able open-floor area which can be used as breakout
• Applied R&D for developing, testing, validating, to the effective utilisation of resources of the region ARKA Energy, a Silicon Valley based startup. The ‘ARKA zones inside the hub. The space doubles up as a corpo-
demonstrating and industrializing innovative con- and of fundamental importance to the country. Apart Collection’ by SunEdison is designed for durability, per- rate meeting space and an experience center setup.
struction solutions for multifunctional building from fundamental research of interdisciplinary nature, formance & aesthetics. The PowerGazebo is an archi- The glass-on-glass PV tiles offer an elegant mono-
envelope systems, conceived designed and engi- technology-based interventions have been greatly tectural solar installation that can help one expand chromatic black finish. Non-PV tiles which look like PV
neered on the basis of an integrated approach; carried out in the last decade, especially in the field of their living space and the PowerRoof provides a way to tiles can be used in areas with persistent shadow and
• Developing, in collaboration with partners (archi- solar energy. Innovative technological approaches like create a roof that can power your home. SunEdison nooks of any slopped roof structure; they are also
tects, industries, real estate managers, etc.), inno- planar light concentrators, building integrated agrivol- believes that the Arka Collection is the finest BIPV available in smaller sizes to cover the complete roof.
vative pilot buildings integrating PV with the role taics, dynamic power windows, organic and inorganic solution which is designed and manufactured in India A false ceiling is added as the final layer in the Power-
of building skin components; hybrid solar cells, etc., can be mentioned as a few in the for Indian customers. Gazebo. This can be fitted with lights and plug points
• Methodologies and techniques that favor the BIPV headway. The institute has already established The first activity that the teams undertook was the ide- to make it a pleasing usable space.
exploitation of solar energy in the built environ- and functionalised state-of-the-art facilities for con- ation phase, in which SunEdison reached out to archi- The cascading roof design is tested for hail and cyclonic
ment, both for new and existing building stock, by ducting advanced research in the area of interest. tects specializing in green buildings for design ideas. weather. The tiles are tested as per the most stringent
analysing the techno-economic feasibility, the Since the ARKA Collection is an experiential product BIS, IEC and UL standards. Additional testing shows
market needs and innovation trends; line which has not been seen before in India, setting up that the tiles are up to six times more resilient than the
• Development of a digitized and integrated process an experience center was one of the first projects that sturdiest clay tiles available.
within the BIM-based approach involved simula- SunEdison wanted to accomplish. The project called SunEdison uses its expertise in the retail solar industry
tion and analysis of BIPV systems for an open-house architecture design followed by a for harvesting solar power in a safe and efficient man-
fibrocement cladding with a provision for a sky roof. ner. Robust processes govern the installation of power
The experience center is placed in the center of a busy electronics, cabling and other protective equipment.
residential neighborhood surrounded by independent The mounting structure is tested for wind load calcu-
housing. The center is equipped with the latest instal- lation of upto 170km/hr from a 3rd party reviewer.
lation of their SunEdison ARKA collection’s flagship A dedicated app allows the performance data from the
products – the PowerRoof & the PowerGazebo. system to be viewed at 15 minute intervals.
 Preface Sponsored content

In agreement with the IPCC special report, emissions Generation (DDG), as recommended in National Energy
must drop dramatically if we stand a chance of keeping Policy by National Institution for Transforming India
global warming below 1,5°C [1]. Curtailing our depend- (NITI) Aayog, GoI [8]. In this context, the integration of
ency on fossil fuels and faster adoption of renewable PV in building construction as Building Applied Photo-
energy sources to meet our energy demands are neces- voltaic (BAPV) and Building Integrated Photovoltaic
sary to limit global warming below 1,5°C, avoiding (BIPV) has a vast potential for onsite green power gen-
environmental degradation. Currently, India is the eration, with the reduced transmission losses, zero
third-largest energy consumer after China and the space wastage and improved overall building perfor-
United States, and 80% of it is met by coal, oil, and bio- mance. Today, existing BIPV products offer architects,
mass [2]. In this context, the Government of India's building owners, façade makers and real estate devel-
(GoI's) ambitious "Mission 500 GW", recent COP26 cli- opers a diversified range of products that can be manu-
6 mate goals and favourable policies are expected to factured and customised like any conventional building 7
propel the green energy revolution in the Country. With envelope solution. Even though the importance of BIPV
the trend of rapidly rising per capita energy consump- is extensively recognised in the rest of the world, the
tion, renewable energy growth, electrification in sectors perception of some barriers and constraints, such as
like automobiles, and the urge of urbanisation and energy production, costs, technical feasibility, and lack of
industrialisation, the electricity demand will be set to specific standards still exists, which hamper its diffusion
have a rapid rise in the coming years. Hence, the Coun- in India. Some typical limitations in existing urban areas
try's energy requirement is expected to grow more than are seen as no go rather than boundary conditions,
2,5 times from 2019 to 2040, and it will be equivalent to which can be optimised and presented with application
an addition of the European Union's current electricity advantages through design and technical solutions. www.solarchitecture.ch
generation [2]. In this framework, the operation of In this purview, the "Indian BIPV Report 2022: Status
buildings consumes a significant portion of electrical and Roadmap" aims to provide an overview of the Indi-
energy generated. As per projections among all regions an solar market by retracing historical milestones and In the age of sustainability, most architects still see the The main goal of www.solarchitecture.ch is to pro-
of the world, India's fastest growth in buildings energy the Country's evolutionary process, including policies, issue of energy in buildings primarily as a constraint to mote the construction of solar buildings by shifting the
consumption will occur with an expected average regulations, technological improvements and case stud- work on. Particularly in the case of solar energy many attention from technology to architecture. Real exam-
increase of 2,85% per year between 2020 and 2050, ies. The report provides insights to the stakeholders of of the new technological possibilities and integration ples and stories of best practice prove today the feasi-
which is more than twice the global average [3]. the solar value chain by focusing on the integration of potentials are not known and therefore not applied in bility and the quality of solar buildings in terms of aes-
Renewable energy integration in the building is critical photovoltaic systems into the built environment. An the current design practice due to perceived barriers. thetics, construction technology and sustainability.
for the intended energy transition. Its importance has overview of standard building technology systems and Nowadays, new technological possibilities and inspir- Solachitecture.ch, as a multidisciplinary and inclusive
been recognised globally, supported by the 21% global their solar potential is presented and discussed to sup- ing projects of solar architecture have been demon- Swiss platform on solar energy, is managed and
increase of renewable energy sources from buildings port investors, manufacturers, architects, and the con- strated and need to be promoted in order to captivate defined thanks to the collaboration between four main
from 2010 to 2018 [4]. This shows a positive develop- struction value chain stakeholders in making the timeli- architects, showing the architectural quality of “solar” partners:
ment in the energy transition, but there is still a long est decisions. Further, to construct future milestones in and the huge potentials of a multidisciplinary approach
way to achieve the 2050 net-zero emission target [5]. the Indian BIPV sector, an overview of the current sce- bridging energy, design and construction. To appeal to • SUPSI – ISAAC
Among various renewable energy sources, solar energy nario and deliberations on expected stakeholder efforts architects, it is important to communicate in their lan- • ETH Zurich
is the fastest growing renewable energy resource glob- are also discussed to generate a critical roadmap. The guage, in an innovative way and using a more complex • Swissolar
ally, especially in Indian and EU settings, with the poten- crucial business model questions, barriers and boundary approach where energy, architecture and construction • SwissEnergy
tial for promoting inclusive economic growth without conditions are illustrated with actual data from some are part in a unique design concept.
contributing to the carbon footprint. To meet the Coun- case studies realised in recent years in India. Today, in
try's targeted Intended Nationally Determined Contri- the EU, BIPV has achieved a high level of technical
bution (INDC), the GoI advocated an ambitious plan maturity, and the market perspective looks promising
targeting the installation of 175 GW of renewable [9]. The report is structured around four chapters to
energy capacity by 2022, majorly promoted through provide an in-depth overview of the status of solar PV
grid-connected solar photovoltaics (PV) [6]. The fact installations in Indian buildings, the possible implemen-
that around 21% of electricity is lost in transmission and tations and BIPV roadmap contemplation. Five BIPV
distribution in India (in the year 2019-20) [7], which is case studies realised in India are presented at the end of
more than twice the average across the world, high- the report, including an architectonic and energetic
lights the importance of more Decentralised Distributed analysis of the showcase.
 Table of content Nomenclature

1 Photovoltaic sector and its

potential in India
BAPV: Building Applied Photovoltaic
BEEP: Building Energy Efficiency Project
BIPV: Building Integrated Photovoltaic
BIS: Bureau of Indian Standards
PV sector: potential, market and growth 11 CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate
Penetration of PV in the building sector 18 CASE: Commission for Additional Sources of Electricity
Financial schemes in solar buildings in 26 CEA: Central Electricity Authority of India
India CEL: Central Electronics Limited
CFA: Central Financial Assistance
CPSU: Central Public Sector Undertaking
DDG: Decentralized Distributed Generation
8
2 Solar constructions DISCOM: Distribution Company
DNES: Department of Non-Conventional Energy Sources
FiT: Feed-in-Tariff
9

FYP: Five Years Plan

Green building revolution and role of BIPV 35 GDP: Gross Domestic Product
Building integrated photovoltaic 37 GHI: Global Horizontal Irradiance
systems GoI: Government of India
BIPV potential for buildings 42 GRIHA: Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment
IGBC: Indian Green Building Council
IREDA: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency
JNNSM: Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission

3 Indian BIPV roadmap LCOE: Levelized Cost Of Electricity

MNRE: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
NASPAD: National Solar Photovoltaic Energy Demonstration Program
NISE: National Institute of Solar Energy
NZEB: Net Zero Energy Building
Roadmap for BIPV implementation 49 PPA: Power Purchase Agreement
Indian stakeholders' map 58 PV: Photovoltaic
SWOT analysis 60 RAV: Rooftop Agrivoltaic
RESCO: Renewable Energy Service Company
RTS: Rooftop Solar
SECI: Solar Energy Corporation of India

4 Case studies
Malabar HQ, Kozhikode
Sierra E-Facility HQ, Coimbatore
63
64
SNA: State Nodal Agency
STIP: Science, Technology and Innovation Policy
TRL: Technology Readiness Level
Desai Brothers Ltd, Sahakarnagar 65 UT: Union Territory
CTRLS Datacenter, Maharashtra 66
Ponnore Group (Aqua Star), Kerala 68
Rupa Renaissance, Mumbai 69
Residential villa, Bangaluru 70

Summary and outlook 72

References 74

Acknowledgements 78
 1.1 PV sector: potential, market and growth

According to the 2016 Paris Climate Accords, countries India has tremendous potential to harness solar radia-
have established their Intended Nationally Determined tion while considering its geographical advantage
Contribution (INDC) by setting their targets and poli- favouring more solar energy tapping. The country's
cies for gas emissions. In line with this, India has set an solar potential is estimated to be 5 quadrillion kWh per
ambitious target to reduce the emissions intensity of year, with an average GHI of 5.1 kWh/m2 per day [7]
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 33-35% by 2030 and an average of 2,300-3,200 sun hours [9]. The PV
from 2005, by committing a 40% non-fossil-based seasonality index (Ratio between the highest and the
electricity production by 2030 [1]. Renewable energy lowest of monthly long-term PV output averages) is
targets of 175 GW (with 100 GW from PV and among 1.75 across India, advocating PV output reliability in
that 40 GW of grid-connected solar rooftop) by 2022 Indian conditions [4].
and 450 GW (with 300 GW from PV) by 2030 was The Fig. 1.1 shows the annual solar irradiance distribu-
10 announced to address the cause [2] [3] [4]. Further, in tion across the country. The irradiation distribution is 11
the recently concluded COP26 Glasgow meeting, the higher and even for North-West, Central and most
Government of India (GoI) announced its timeline to Southern states, covering the majority land area in
achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. In addi- India. As mentioned, the solar potential of India is
tion to this, GoI increased its renewable energy target about 748 GW, as estimated by MNRE, assuming only
from 450 GW to 500 GW by 2030 to achieve half of its 3% of the wasteland area to be covered by solar PV
energy from renewables, a reduction of emissions by modules [4] [10]. India’s current solar power installed

Chapter 1
one billion tonnes and emissions intensity of the GDP capacity (including ground mounted, rooftop and other
by 45% in the same year [2]. Solar energy, being an off-grid installation) is around 49.3 GW till December
abundant resource of the country, will play a signifi- 2021, which is 47% of renewable energy capacity, and

Photovoltaic sector and its cant hand in coping with the situation; the rising trend
in solar photovoltaics (PV) capacity compared with
other renewable energy sources in recent years accords
contributing to 46% of India’s total renewable energy
generation in 2021 (exclusive of large hydroelectric
power plants) [10]. The trend of installed PV capacity

potential in India the same [5].

The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), under the
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has
addition in India for the last decade, according to the
MNRE data for the period of 2010-2021, is as shown
in Fig. 1.3 [10] [11]. For the last decade, a cumulative
assessed the solar photovoltaic potential of the country capacity of 40.1 GW was installed in India, and in 2021,
as about 748 GW [6]. India has been ranked 104th in India had added another 9.2 GW (from April 2021 to
the Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) and 98th in the December 2021) marking the highest yearly addition
average practical PV potential (Photovoltaic long-term till date, and reaching a total installed capacity of 49.3
power output produced by a utility-scale installation GW. The Indian PV sector is experiencing a positive
with fixed-mounted, monofacial c-Si modules with growth trend, with a more stepper growth during the
optimum tilt; measured in kWh/kWp/day.) [7]. Howev- last 5 years, which persuaded the GoI to raise their
er, the country has been ranked third in the Renewable target of 22 GW solar power capacity to 100 GW by
Energy Country Attractive Index (RECAI: it ranks the 2022 (Fig. 1.3) [4]. This can be accounted for around
world’s top 40 markets on the attractiveness of their 13% of the MNRE estimated solar PV potential of 748
renewable energy investment and deployment oppor- GW. Hence, there exists a massive opportunity for the
tunities) and first in Solar PV according to EY May 2021 Indian PV sector to tap this potential. However, this
Report [8]. Yet the country’s solar power generation assumption does not consider the potential of PV inte-
constitutes less than 4% of total value in contrast to gration in the major possible deployment opportunities
75% contribution from coal and gas, during the fiscal like buildings that can exploit the market in congruence
year 2019-20 [5]. Even though there are conspicuous with the rapid growth of the construction sector in
changes in the PV development and its associated cost India.
reduction in the past decade, yet their deployment is
hindered by the limiting spatial availability and disad-
vantaged locations for grid-connected or Decentral-
ised Distributed Generation (DDG).
 Solar potential Solar potential utilized

140 GW 0 GW 0% 100%
1 111.1 1-Jammu & Kashmir
33.8 2-Himachal Pradesh
2.8 3-Punjab
16.8 4-Uttarakhand
4.6 5-Haryana
2 2.8 6-Dehli & other UTs
3 142.3 7-Rajasthan
22.8 8-Uttar Pradesh
11.2 9-Bihar
4 4.9 10-Sikkim
12 5 8.7 11-Arunachal Pradesh 13
11
13.8 12-Assam
6 10 7.3 13-Negaland
8 5.9 14-Meghalaya
12
13
10.6 15-Manipur
7 9 2.1 16-Tripura
14 9.1 17-Mizoram
15 6.3 18-West Bengal
18.2 19-Jharkhand
61.7 20-Madhya Pradesh
21 19 16
20 17 35.8 21-Gujarat
18
25.8 22-Odisha
18.3 23-Chhattisgarh
64.3 24-Maharashtra
20.4 25-Telangana
22 38.4 26-Andhra Pradesh
23
0.9 27-Goa
24 24.7 28-Karnataka
17.7 29-Tamil Nadu
6.1 30-Kerala

25
The solar potential of India is about 748 GW assuming a 3% of the wasteland area to be covered by solar PV modules. India’s
27
current solar power installed capacity (including ground mounted, rooftop and other offgrid installation) is around 49.3 GW till
26
November 2021.
28

29
30

Average annual sun 2005-2010 [kWh/m2]

Fig. 1.1 left Indian solar irradiation map. Source: 2011 GeoModel Solar s.r.o.
<1,100 1,250 1,400 1,550 1,700 1,850 2,000> Fig. 1.2 up Indian PV potential and utilised potential. Source: [11].
 sustainability

Review
A Review of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics in Singapore:
Status, Barriers, and Prospects
Tianyi Chen 1 , Yaning An 2, * and Chye Kiang Heng 1

1 Department of Architecture, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore,

Singapore S117566, Singapore
2 School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
* Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +86-135-4862-0715

Abstract: Energy consumption enhancement has resulted in a rise in carbon dioxide emissions,
followed by a notable greenhouse effect contributing to global warming. Globally, buildings consume
one-third of the total energy due to the continued expansion of building areas caused by population
growth. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) represent an effective technology to attain zero
energy buildings (ZEBs) via solar energy use. This research begins with the tropical green building
concept in Singapore associated with renewable energy and gives an overview of the potential of solar
photovoltaic energy. Strategies for BIPV spread in Singapore are also provided. Considering both
BIPV system life cycle assessment (LCA) and BIPV industry standards and recent developments, this
research determines whether Singapore should adopt this technology. Although the BIPV product
market has expanded regarding BIPV products, systems and projects, there remain certain barriers to
BIPV adoption in Singapore. Additionally, future research directions for tropical BIPV applications are
outlined. The Singapore BIPV system serves as an example for a number of other tropical countries
facing comparable challenges.

Keywords: building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV); photovoltaics; solar energy; Singapore;

green building
Citation: Chen, T.; An, Y.; Heng, C.K.
A Review of Building-Integrated
Photovoltaics in Singapore: Status,
Barriers, and Prospects. Sustainability 1. Introduction
2022, 14, 10160. https://doi.org/
Energy is considered an essential resource for economic and technological develop-
10.3390/su141610160
ment [1]. Currently, fossil-based fuel remains the main energy source for providing power
Academic Editor: Muhammad Asif including electricity and heat. The accelerated emission of CO2 has resulted in global
Received: 24 May 2022
warming caused by a severe greenhouse effect. In order to reach the Paris Agreement’s
Accepted: 12 August 2022
long-term temperature objectives, the IPCC Spatial Report on Global Warming of 1.5 ◦ C
Published: 16 August 2022
emphasizes the need of carbon neutrality, according to ref. [2]’s research, carbon emissions
must decrease by 7.6% each year. It is undeniable that the increasing population and
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral
pursuit of a modern lifestyle have dramatically boosted the energy demands and energy
with regard to jurisdictional claims in
consumption per capita, whereas fossil fuel resources are decreasing.
published maps and institutional affil-
The building sector accounting for one-third of the overall electricity consumption, it
iations.
is estimated that by 2035, world energy consumption will increase by 50% over the 1990
level [3]. Although building energy consumption sector growth in European countries has
decelerated and efforts have been made to renovate buildings to enhance energy efficiency
Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.
(2% annually) [4], the rest of the world, especially the emerging economies in Asia, still
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. faces housing pressure because of population growth [5]. In addition, the employment of
This article is an open access article various household appliances, such as computers, monitors, refrigerators, air conditioners,
distributed under the terms and and ovens, has increased the consumption of household electricity because these appliances
conditions of the Creative Commons are ever more readily available today [6]. Therefore, there is an urgent need to determine
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// alternative sustainable energy sources.
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ With the rapid economic development occurring over the last two decades, Singapore
4.0/). has evolved into a high-density city-state, and Singapore is now the second most densely

Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610160 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 2 of 25

populated country worldwide. Singapore, is located at 1 latitude north of the equator,

at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula. The Straits of Malacca border Singapore to
the west, while Indonesia and the South China Sea lie to the south and east, respectively.
Due to substantial land reclamation operations, the aggregate land area has grown by 25%
since the independence of Singapore. Singapore, similar to the majority of Southeast Asian
countries (including Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Brunei, which form maritime
Southeast Asia, and Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, peninsular Thailand and Vietnam), features
a tropical rainforest climate, with no obvious seasonal changes, an overly high temperature,
high humidity, and plentiful annual seasonal rainfall. The temperature usually varies
between 23 ◦ C and 32 ◦ C. Southeast Asia is one of the most vulnerable places to climate
change globally. Climate change poses major challenges to various industries, such as
agriculture and fishery, in regard to rainfall and runoff, water quality and water supply.
Climate change and the rising sea level will significantly influence the low-lying shoreline
of Singapore over the next several decades.
Tropical countries mentioned above, such as Singapore, experience overly hot and
high-humidity climates, and 30–50% of all electricity is consumed for cooling and ven-
tilation purposes because heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in
urban life consume much electricity [7]. Therefore, the formulation of strategies to reduce
emissions, especially carbon dioxide emissions, constitutes an indispensable part of the
overall emission reduction task for these countries. Additionally, Singapore is located
at a low sea level and will be the first to bear the brunt of the global warming impact
under the greenhouse effect. A rise in the sea level and overheated climate conditions may
yield a serious negative impact on human health and ecosystems. Although Singapore
contributes only 0.1% to global CO2 emissions, it should cooperate with other countries
to actively respond to the threat of global climate change and realize emission reduction
commitments, which is also an overall challenge for this island country that is lacking land
and natural resources [8].
Recently, photovoltaic (PV) technology has gained notable attention as a viable means
of supplying energy to buildings due to the promotion of various actions in tropical
countries [9]. Studies have indicated that at the end of 2017, the global installed PV
capacity exceeded 400 GW [10]. Although building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems
remain a niche technology, various types of PV products are increasingly available on the
market. In recent years, Singaporean architects and urban planners have considered BIPVs
necessary systems to achieve renewable energy production and reduce greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions [11].
A BIPV system can seamlessly integrate PV modules into external building surfaces,
such as walls, roofs, shading devices, and decorative components. Moreover, it can generate
clean energy. From an environmental and economic perspective, PV energy generation
provides more advantages than fossil fuel-based energy generation. First, in contrast to the
limited storage of fossil fuels, the solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface every day
contains 10,000 times the energy requirements of humans on a daily basis [12]. Second, the
manufacturing process of PV modules produces only a small amount of carbon dioxide
(20–30 g carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 e/kWh)) [13].
Since the price of silicon has steeply fallen by 90%, providing a good opportunity to
economically implement large-scale grid-connected PV systems [14]. Currently, connected
grid PV systems are common, and smart networked energy distribution systems have
gradually been established [15]. Compared to nonintegrated PV systems, BIPV installation
is more convenient, as it does not use additional building space and other assembly
components, such as brackets and guide rails [16]. Therefore, the use of an integrated
BIPV design can reduce the total construction and material costs of a project [17]. BIPV
systems represent one of the most rapidly growing market segments in the PV field. The
BIPV market is expected to grow at a rate of 30% per year after 2020 [18]. This enormous
growth potential allows these systems to satisfy building energy consumption requirements
while lessening the dependence partially or completely on fossil fuels, thereby reducing
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 3 of 25

carbon emissions and mitigating global warming. Global warming is exerting a growing
and notable impact on the world. Singapore, as a small island nation on the equator, is
particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming due to its low-lying coast and high
temperatures. Hence, comprehensive action is needed to mitigate this issue. Singapore has
revealed its long-term emission reduction plan. Ref. [19] showed that, compared to 2005
levels, Singapore will reduce its emissions by 36% by 2030 under the Paris Agreement to
65 Mt CO2 e and by 50% to 33 Mt CO2 e by 2050 and attain net-zero emissions by the latter
period of the century [20]. The cooperation between different industry sectors is necessary
due to the high challenging targets.
While countries in South Asia, such as Singapore, benefit from ample solar irradi-
ance, solar energy only supports 5% of the total energy requirements of Singapore [21].
The current research challenges include the effective application of BIPVs, whether this
technology can effectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Singapore and its future
research directions. This study illustrates Singapore’s current carbon emission scenarios
and the country’s goals and progress toward GHG emission (GHGE) reduction to achieve
its commitments under the Paris Agreement. Starting from the concept of green buildings
in Singapore, this study examines the emission reduction role of BIPV technology and its
indispensable significance. In addition, this study compares the PV energy payback time
(EPBT) and greenhouse emission (GHGE) levels mentioned in other studies to those under
the conditions in Singapore, explores the feasibility of BIPV technology implementation in
Singapore and reviews the latest developments of BIPV technology. In addition, the current
barriers in Singapore to BIPV implementation are identified. It is necessary to contribute a
framework of PV manufacturers and consumers to promote finite resource efficiency in
PV modules and its life cycle economy [22], including South Asia countries like Singapore.
The opportunities for future BIPV research in Singapore and other tropical countries are
described in the manuscript.

2. Green Building Concepts in Singapore

2.1. Singapore Building Energy Consumption Landscape
The major GHG contributor in Singapore is CO2 , primarily produced by the electricity
generation sector due to the use of fossil fuels [23]. Although oil-fired energy plants
have largely been replaced by gas-fired energy plants since 2005, 95% of all electricity is
generated by natural gas in Singapore [20]. It is necessary to develop a fuel mix-based
electricity generation strategy, especially including the application of renewable energy.
However, Singapore is a resource-constrained city-state and has limited renewable energy
options [20]:
(1) The average wind speed in Singapore reaches approximately 2 m/s, which is lower
than the 4.5 m/s criterion of commercial wind turbines.
(2) There is no potential to implement tidal power generation due to the narrow tidal
range and calm seas.
(3) Hydroelectric power cannot be employed because there are no year-round river
systems with fast-flowing water.
(4) There are no geothermal energy sources available.
(5) Biomass-based energy generation is not appropriate in Singapore due to the high
population density and land scarcity constraints.
(6) Nuclear power cannot be safely implemented in cities with high population densities.
Given the above reasons, solar energy is the only renewable energy source with the
potential to impact the energy grid. As previously stated, BIPV systems may represent
a viable solution given the limited land resources and dense metropolitan regions in
Singapore. Moreover, suitable acreage for PV plants is lacking. Although rooftop surfaces
can receive ample sunlight, the usable space in high-rise buildings is constrained owing to
the placement of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) infrastructures. The taller
a given building is, the higher the ratio of the façade area to the roof area, and the more
areas suitable for BIPV deployment occur on the façade [24]. The Singapore Building and
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 4 of 25

Construction Authority (BCA) has established stringent building standards to achieve zero
energy (ZEBs) and positive energy buildings (PEBs). Hence, BIPV systems comprise a
critical GHGE mitigation strategy while also achieving tropical green buildings [25].

2.2. Definition and Indicators of Green Buildings in Singapore and Singapore Green Building
Masterplan (SGBMP)
Globally, the green building concept varies because local economic and technical
environment conditions should be considered. In Singapore, a certain building can receive
Green Mark certification, thereby designating it as a green building. The latest Green Mark
certification program revised in 2018 addresses the following 5 key sections:
(1) Sustainable design and management, which includes Base Building Selection, integra-
tive design and management commitment & employee engagement;
(2) Energy and resource management, which includes air conditioning, lighting, and
plug loads, water and waste;
(3) Office environment which includes occupant evaluation, spatial quality (lighting,
acoustics, office design) and indoor air quality;
(4) Workplace health and wellbeing, which includes healthier eating & physical activity,
smoking cessation and mental well-being;
(5) Advanced green and health features which includes smart office, renewable energy
and health promotion.
The Green Mark, as a certification tool, can evaluate building energy performance
in the tropics and guide building stakeholders to achieve energy efficiency enhancement
through the processes of site selection, design, operation, maintenance, occupant engage-
ment, and empowerment. In addition to Singapore’s Green Mark certification system, other
green building ratings and certification systems include Building Research Establishment
Environmental Assessment (BREEAM) in England, Leadership in Energy and Environ-
mental Design (LEED) in the United States, the German Sustainable Building Council
(Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen or DGNB), and Green Building Evaluation
and Labeling (GBEL) in China. Table 1 compares the Green Mark certification system to
other major green building grading and certification systems [25–27].
Furthermore, the Green Mark and Singapore Green Building Masterplan (SGBMP)
was launched by the BCA in 2005 and considers the 2005 building consumption level as
the baseline. Three key long-term development targets were set. First, Singapore will
continue to green 80% of buildings by 2030. Currently, 43% of buildings in Singapore have
been assigned Green Mark certifications. Moreover, the minimum energy performance
standards have been raised, requiring both new buildings and current buildings with
retrofitting to achieve 50% and 40% higher energy efficiency levels, respectively, over the
2005 levels. Second, starting in 2030, 80% of the gross floor area of new development should
comprise super low energy buildings (SLEBs), which are 65% more energy efficient over
2005 levels. Finally, best-in-class buildings should aim to realize an 80% higher efficiency
over 2005 levels by 2030 [25]. The above future aggressive scheme of the BCA regarding
energy efficiency improvement indicates that it is essential to define green buildings and
the technology that can facilitate goal realization.

2.3. Technologies to Achieve Super Low Energy Buildings (SLEBs) in the Tropics
In 2018, the BCA announced the launch of a new program, the Green Mark for Super
Low Energy Building Program (GM SLE program), as the next wave of Singapore’s green
building movement, which aims to improve best-in-class building energy efficiency, the
application of renewable energy either onsite or offsite, and intelligent energy management
tools. The SLE program encompasses the following three types of buildings: super low
energy buildings (SLEBs), zero energy buildings (ZEBs), and positive energy buildings
(PEBs). These three building categories all require energy savings of at least 60% over
2005 levels, and the accounting system includes heating, cooling, ventilation, domestic
hot water, indoor and outdoor lighting systems, plug load, and transportation within the
 Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 5 of 25

building [25]. SLEB realization is a prerequisite to achieve both ZEBs and PEBs. ZEBs
require all energy consumption, including the plug load, to be supplied from renewable
sources onsite or offsite, while PEBs must realize an energy surplus of 10%.
To adapt to the local climate, economy, and technology conditions in Singapore,
relevant technology strategies were suggested to assist best-in-class buildings in SLE
program realization. The following four broad areas were identified: passive strategies,
active strategies, smart energy management, and renewable energy. Figure 1 lists these
four areas with the corresponding technology options [25].

Table 1. Comparison of the four green building certification systems [25–27].

Green Mark DGNB LEED BREEAM China Three Star

Nation Singapore Germany US UK China
Ministry of Housing
and Urban-Rural
Foundation Building and Construction German Sustainable US Green Building Council Building Research
Development of the
agent Authority (BCA) Building Council (USGBC) Establishment (BRE)
People’s Republic of
China (MOHURD)
Foundation
2005 2007 1998 1990 2006
time
Planning, design,
operation, maintenance, Planning, design,
Focus phases Planning, operation Design, construction Planning, operation
occupant engagement construction, operation
and empowerment
(1) Management (1) Land savings
(1) Sustainable sites (2) Health and and outdoor
(1) Sustainable design
(2) Water efficiency wellbeing environment
and management (1) Ecological quality
energy and (3) Energy (2) Energy savings
(2) Energy and resource (2) Economical quality
atmosphere (4) Transport (3) Water savings
management (3) Sociocultural and
Evaluation (3) Materials and (5) Water (4) Material savings
(3) Office environment functional quality
022, 14, x FOR PEER
sectors REVIEW resources (6) Materials (5) 6 ofIndoor
27
(4) Workplace health (4) Technical quality
(4) Indoor environmental (7) Waste environmental
and well-being (5) Process quality
quality (8) Land use & quality
(5) Advanced green (6) Location quality
(5) Innovation & design ecology (6) Operations and
and health features
(6) Regional credits (9) Pollution management

To adapt to the localLife

climate, economy, and technology conditions in Singapore, Mainly
rel-evaluate
Suitable for tropical
cycle analysis of residential and public
climates, focusing on Energy and resource
Features evant technology strategies wereeconomic,
environmental, suggestedconsumption
to assistefficiency
best-in-classOldest
buildings
method in SLEbuildings
pro- in huge
energy efficiency
and social aspects quantities with large
and health.
gram realization. The following four broad areas were identified: passive strategies,energy activeconsumption
Reference tostrategies, smart energy management,
DIN EN ISO 14,040, and renewable energy. Figure DIN EN1ISO lists these
14,040, four ar-
GB 50,176, 501,89,
ASHRAE 55 ASHRAE 90.1
standards 14,044, 14,025, RT 2020 14,044, ISO 21,930 50,736, 50,785
eas with the corresponding technology options [25].

Figure 1. Four main strategies to achieve SLE programs in the tropics [25].
Figure 1. Four main strategies to achieve SLE programs in the tropics [25].

Through the definition of green buildings in the Singapore Green Mark program and
future SLE programs, it is clearly found that the employment of renewable energy, espe-
cially BIPV technology, may be the key measure to achieve tropical green building con-
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 6 of 25

Through the definition of green buildings in the Singapore Green Mark program
and future SLE programs, it is clearly found that the employment of renewable energy,
especially BIPV technology, may be the key measure to achieve tropical green building
construction in Singapore.

2.4. BIPV Applications in Green Buildings in Singapore

Based on the above discussion, the application of renewable energy, such as BIPV, is the
key to achieving zero energy and positive energy building conditions. In addition, different
types of buildings should target the realization of different levels in the SLE program. For
example, low-rise and medium-sized buildings should strive to be certified as ZEBs or even
PEBs because their roof areas usually provide sufficient space for PV installation. Although
high-rise buildings consume much more HVAC energy and possess smaller rooftop areas
than low-rise and medium-sized buildings, they have larger façade areas that can be used
for PV integration, which can achieve, at a minimum, SLEB certification.
Currently, as the first Southeast Asian country to do so, Singapore has implemented
a carbon tax at a rate of 5 SGD/t CO2 e if any industrial entity releases GHGEs equal
to or beyond 25,000 t CO2 e from 2020 to 2023 and plans to increase this carbon tax to
10–15 SGD/t CO2 e by 2030 [28]. Stakeholders in the building industry should consider
these policies as a guide for decarbonization and apply the above information when setting
future targets for BIPV building design and construction.

3. Solar Energy Potential and Its Implementation Target in Singapore

Solar Energy Potential in Singapore and Promotions
Solar energy is the largest potential renewable energy source for power generation in
Singapore. Singapore receives an average solar irradiation of 1580 kWh/m2 /year, which
is almost 50% more solar radiation than that received by other countries in temperate
areas [29]. Solar energy development can provide several benefits to Singapore, including
carbon emission reduction, energy security enhancement and peak demand reduction.
Due to the limited land and the rapid changes in tropical weather, in order to promote
PV industry development, SERIS of Singapore has set up a short-term solar radiation
prediction system with hourly observations as well as forecasts for short periods in the
future. To promote PV industry development, SERIS has developed a live solar irradiance
map with a 1-s resolution for Singapore based on real-time data collected from 25 irradiance
stations across Singapore on a 5 km × 5 km grid, as shown in Figure 2 [21]. The total
annual solar radiation value for Singapore is 1580 kWh/m2 /year, which already covers the
average solar radiation value for the region [30]. In addition to global horizontal irradiance
and diffuse horizontal irradiance, other parameters that may impact PV production are also
measured, such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction,
and air pressure.
According to [31], IEA compares solar potential of several cities such as Tokyo and
Stockholm, based on geographical analysis, the results showed that comparing to other
cities at higher latitudes, Singapore has a higher solar yield per square meter and a larger
solar yield with flat and sloped roofs. Although its building facades have lower solar yield,
it has a wider range of good yield areas. Due to Singapore’s small inland region and high
population density, a holistic strategy based on existing urban contexts must be considered
in its BIPV implementation. Through the use of a high-resolution 3D model, SERIS and
the Singapore Land Authority conducted solar energy potential assessments. As shown
in Figure 3, an area covering 36.8 km2 that is suitable for PV implementation is available,
comprising 35.9% roofs, 26.7% façades and 37.4% other surfaces [32]. If PV technology
was implemented on all of these surfaces, Singapore’s PV capacity potential would reach
8.6 GW by 2050. Based on the [32] studies, Table 2 provides the estimated installed capacity,
energy yield, and CO2 emission mitigation benefits under both a baseline scenario (BAS)
and the accelerated scenario (ACC). The future targets can be achieved without using
all of the potential area, it may be beneficial to utilize the building façade area for PV
 industry development, SERIS of Singapore has set up a short-term solar radiation predic-
tion system with hourly observations as well as forecasts for short periods in the future.
To promote PV industry development, SERIS has developed a live solar irradiance map
with a 1-s resolution for Singapore based on real-time data collected from 25 irradiance
stainability
Sustainability
stations
2022, 14, x2022,
FOR 14,PEER
across Singapore on a 5 km × 5 km grid, as shown in Figure 2 [21]. The total annual 7 of 25
10160 REVIEW 8 o
solar radiation value for Singapore is 1580 kWh/m2/year, which already covers the average
solar radiation value for the region [30]. In addition to global horizontal irradiance and
diffuse horizontal irradiance, other
implementation becauseparameters
roofs can that may
be not onlyimpact PV to
converted production are also
greenery roofs to offset, but
measured, such reachalso
as8.6affect the heat island effect and provide additional leisure public spacethe
GW
ambient by 2050. Based
temperature, on the
relative [32] studies,
humidity, windTable 2
speed, provides
wind forestimated
direction,the urban instal
capacity,
and air pressure. energy
city are. yield, technically
BIPV systems and CO2 and emission mitigation
aesthetically benefits
compatible with theunder both a baseline s
built environment.
nario (BAS) and the accelerated scenario (ACC). The future targets can be achieved w
out using all of the potential area, it may be beneficial to utilize the building façade a
for PV implementation because roofs can be not only converted to greenery roofs to off
but also affect the heat island effect and provide additional leisure public space for
urban city are. BIPV systems technically and aesthetically compatible with the built en
ronment.

Table 2. An overview of the BAS and ACC deployment scenarios and their impact on PV genera
and CO2 reduction [32].

Estimated Annual
Estimated
Installed PV PV Power Electricity Gener-
System Peak CO2 Emission
Scenario Capacity Penetration ation (TWh) and
Demand Savings (Mt/a)
(GWp) Level Percentage of To-
(GW)
tal Demand (%)
BAS 1.0 11% 1.28, 1.8% 0.52
2030 9
ACC 2.5 28% 3.16, 4.5% 1.29
BAS 2.5 22% 3.09, 3.4% 1.26
2050 11.5
ACC 5 43% 6.64, 7.4% 2.71
Figure 2. The* live solar irradiance
Singapore’s averagemapgridis based on real-time
emission factor data from
(GEF) 25 irradiance
is 0.4080 kgfrom
CO25stationsinon2020
2/kWh
a 5 [33]. CO2 emiss
Figure 2. The live solar irradiance map is based on real-time data irradiance stations on a
km × 5 km grid across Singapore [21].
savings
5 kmequal togrid
× 5 km the across
multiplication of annual electricity generation and GEF.
Singapore [21].

According to [31], IEA compares solar potential of several cities such as Tokyo and
Stockholm, based on geographical analysis, the results showed that comparing to other
cities at higher latitudes, Singapore has a higher solar yield per square meter and a larger
solar yield with flat and sloped roofs. Although its building facades have lower solar
yield, it has a wider range of good yield areas. Due to Singapore’s small inland region and
high population density, a holistic strategy based on existing urban contexts must be con-
sidered in its BIPV implementation. Through the use of a high-resolution 3D model, SERIS
and the Singapore Land Authority conducted solar energy potential assessments. As
shown in Figure 3, an area covering 36.8 km2 that is suitable for PV implementation is
available, comprising 35.9% roofs, 26.7% façades and 37.4% other surfaces [32]. If PV tech-
nology was implemented on all of these surfaces, Singapore’s PV capacity potential would

Figure 3. The
Figure result
3. The ofofSingapore
result solarpotential
Singapore solar potential analysis
analysis basedbased on a high-resolution
on a high-resolution 3D model [
3D model [32].

To achieve the goal of PV implementation, Singapore started the largest PV insta

tion project “SolarNova Program” in 2014, aiming to promote PV application in pu
buildings and housing estates. The SolarNova program is targeted to generate 420 GW
of solar energy every year, which is equivalent to 5% of Singapore’s total energy consum
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 8 of 25

Table 2. An overview of the BAS and ACC deployment scenarios and their impact on PV generation
and CO2 reduction [32].

Estimated Annual
Estimated Installed PV PV Power
Electricity Generation CO2 Emission
Scenario System Peak Capacity Penetration
(TWh) and Percentage Savings (Mt/a) *
Demand (GW) (GWp ) Level
of Total Demand (%)
BAS 1.0 11% 1.28, 1.8% 0.52
2030 9
ACC 2.5 28% 3.16, 4.5% 1.29
BAS 2.5 22% 3.09, 3.4% 1.26
2050 11.5
ACC 5 43% 6.64, 7.4% 2.71
* Singapore’s average grid emission factor (GEF) is 0.4080 kg CO2 /kWh in 2020 [33]. CO2 emission savings equal
to the multiplication of annual electricity generation and GEF.

To achieve the goal of PV implementation, Singapore started the largest PV installation

project “SolarNova Program” in 2014, aiming to promote PV application in public buildings
and housing estates. The SolarNova program is targeted to generate 420 GWh of solar
energy every year, which is equivalent to 5% of Singapore’s total energy consumption,
which is equal to powering 88,000 4-room units. Eighty percent of the population is
accommodated in social housing developed by the Housing and Development Bureau
(HDB), which coordinates the “solar leasing tender” with green electricity retailers and
town councils in the program. The Economic Development Bureau (EDB) is responsible
for driving solar ambition among government agencies, while SERIS is appointed as the
technical consultant to conduct feasibility studies and site selection. HDB will offer solar
developers a percentage of the initial start-up funding as an incentive, and eventually, the
town council will purchase the solar system at the end of the lease.
Under this business model, the solar developer of Singapore would be responsible for
the entire development cycle of the PV system, including design, financing, installation,
operation, maintenance and recycling, and would focus on maximizing the efficiency of
the solar system to secure the project. This encourages more solar developers to participate
and reduces the cost of procuring solar systems [34].
In addition to the SolarNova Program, Singapore relies on the market to promote PV
adoption instead of direct subsidizes. Chang and Li [35] studied the electricity market
reform of Singapore, which has developed into a fully divested generation with competition
in the retail and wholesale sectors. Supply competition and retail liberalization have
brought a 9.11% price decrease in wholesale electricity [36]. Customizers could choose
between various electricity retailers and their pricing arrangements. Six electricity retailers
provide eco-friendly electricity plans to customers, and Geneco and Sunseap offer a 100%
solar electricity option to customers. Customers can offset their carbon emission footprint
and carbon tax by purchasing UN Certified Carbon Credits from retailers. Additionally, to
solve the land limitation in Singapore, Singapore aims to import 100 MW solar electricity
from Malaysia by 2025 and encourages collaboration between solar PV companies and
investment between the two countries [37].

4. Recent Development of BIPV Systems

4.1. Historical Evolution of BIPV Systems
In the late 1970s, the US Department of Energy began supporting projects to enhance
distributed PV systems, including supporting collaboration with the PV industry to incor-
porate building materials. By the 1980s, the construction industry had realized the potential
of PV technology and its aesthetic acceptance, although the cost of PV technology in the
1980s impeded its development [38]. In Europe, Wohnanlage Richer was built in Munich in
1982; the residential building designed by Thomas Herzog and Bernhard Schilling, which
contained polycrystalline cells on a curtain wall, became the first glass surface-integrated
PV installation [39]. In 1991, Aachen’s Public Utilities building first employed PV panels
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 9 of 25

as semitransparent glass in the façade [40]. The scientific literature on the subject of BIPV
structures was published during that time in Europe [41]. Then, the US DOE launched a
program called Building Opportunities in the United States for Photovoltaics Program to
help commercialize BIPV products [42]. Meanwhile, Europe published Solar Architecture
in Europe, and Japan also joined these efforts, announcing similar programs [43]. All of
these plans were aimed at facilitating the commercialization of innovative BIPV projects.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) established the PV Power System Initiative in
1997, which attempts to improve the architectural quality, technical feasibility, and economic
viability of PV systems in the building industry [44]. Thereafter, the construction industry
successfully realized projects that were developed worldwide, which were subsequently
reported in a very large number of papers [26]. BIPV systems have been installed in
commercial buildings since 1991, and the example usually considered the Public Utilities
Building of Aachen. Throughout the world, there are more cases existing in other countries,
such as the Hongqiao Railway Station building in China, which was completed in 2010 and
incorporated enormous BIPV systems with a total installed capacity of 6.5 MWp; thus, the
employment of solar systems integrated into buildings is one of the most important drivers
of BIPV development [45].

4.2. Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVs) and Their Development

BIPV technology refers to a certain technique of PV cell employment that integrates
PV cells into conventional building materials. The building skin is not only a protective
layer against the elements but also a component of the structure that embodies the architec-
tural language. Stricter building standards and regulations regarding green construction
and sustainability urge architects/developers to explore high-performance façade tech-
nologies and products, such as PV materials. However, in contrast to conventional PV
applications, BIPVs constitute a part of construction systems considering the context of
materials, construction, jointing, manufacturing sequence and installation [39]. Because
architects require a notable level of design freedom in regard to technological solutions for
the customization of building skin, PV modules have greatly advanced in terms of color,
form, and performance to accommodate various building skin options [46].

4.2.1. BIPV Systems

The BIPV module can replace conventional building components and function as part
of the construction system. BIPV systems involve PV materials that, when combined with
conventional building materials, dispense with the need for heat transfer via the building
envelope [47]. Generally, there are three types of BIPV systems integrated into the building
skin, as follows: roofs (BIPV tiles and skylights), façades (BIPV curtain walls and cladding
walls) and accessories (BIPV shading devices and balconies). Figure 4 shows the general
types of BIPV systems.

4.2.2. BIPV Roof Systems

Different from nonintegrated PV roof systems (such as building-attached photovoltaic
(BAPV) systems), roof BIPV systems incorporate existing building roof materials, such
as tiles, into the structure without the need for additional mounting structures, such as
racks and rails. BIPV tiles can be similar in appearance to traditional tiles regarding color
and size to meet the requirements of sensitive architectural areas. According to [48], since
Singapore is located near the equator, the optimal solar radiation reception direction is
10 degrees east. Although BIPV tile products presumably achieve a high-power generation
efficiency of 19.5% [49], their actual application requires further local verification. Not
only do BIPV skylights generate electricity, but they also allow light into the room, thereby
reducing the energy consumption of artificial lighting. According to previous studies [16],
when semitransparent solar modules are employed in a sunroom, the power production
decreases by 0.52% when the temperature of the PV module rises by 1 degree. When
the PV module is installed directly against the building insulation material, research [50],
 Because architects require a notable level of design freedom in regard to technological
solutions for the customization of building skin, PV modules have greatly advanced in
terms of color, form, and performance to accommodate various building skin options [46].

Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 4.2.1. BIPV Systems 10 of 25

The BIPV module can replace conventional building components and function as
part of the construction system. BIPV systems involve PV materials that, when combined
with conventional
Li et al. building
[51] has revealed thatmaterials, dispense
the temperature with
of the the need
module mayforriseheat
and transfer via the
its performance
building envelope [47]. Generally, there are three types of BIPV systems
may decrease owing to the absence of circulating air. As such, an increasing number integrated into
of
the building skin, as follows: roofs (BIPV tiles and skylights), façades (BIPV
studies [52] have focused on BIPV ventilation, which may be accomplished via natural curtain walls
and cladding
or forced walls) and
ventilation accessories
systems, (BIPV
and in theseshading devices
studies, and
thermal balconies). Figure
performance 4 shows
modeling and
the general types of BIPV
simulation were performed. systems.

Figure
Figure 4.
4. BIPV
BIPV systems
systems (authors’
(authors’ drawings).
drawings).

4.2.3. BIPV
4.2.2. BIPV Roof
Façades
Systems
Accordingfrom
Different to different integrated
nonintegrated PV PV rooffunctions, façadeasBIPVs
systems (such can be divided
building-attached into two
photovol-
categories,
taic (BAPV)i.e., BIPV cladding
systems), roof BIPVand curtain
systems walls, which
incorporate directly
existing constitute
building the structure
roof materials, such
of the façade. Hence, it is necessary to consider the basic characteristics
as tiles, into the structure without the need for additional mounting structures, such as of the building
envelope,
racks such BIPV
and rails. as weatherproofing
tiles can be similar andin waterproofing.
appearance to Moreover,
traditional when designing
tiles regarding the
color
lattersize
and wall
to type,
meet intheaddition
requirementsto the of
façade, indoor
sensitive visibility areas.
architectural and direct sunlight
According should
to [48], be
since
considered.isItlocated
Singapore shouldnear
be noted that previous
the equator, research
the optimal [3]radiation
solar has focused on thedirection
reception integration of
is 10
BIPV cladding
degrees walls andBIPV
east. Although phase-change materials
tile products (PCMs) achieve
presumably to improve the efficiency
a high-power and heat
generation
dissipationofof19.5%
efficiency PV systems. Studies
[49], their have
actual demonstrated
application that further
requires in other local
regions, BIPV systems
verification. Not
integrated with PCMs can maintain a PV surface temperature below
only do BIPV skylights generate electricity, but they also allow light into the room, 29 degrees for athereby
certain
period (130
reducing themin)
energy[53]. The BIPV curtain
consumption walllighting.
of artificial must strike a balance
According between studies
to previous visible light
[16],
transmittance and power conversion efficiency while also considering
when semitransparent solar modules are employed in a sunroom, the power production the aspects of color
and thermal
decreases by comfort
0.52% when [54].the
Semitransparent
temperature ofBIPV the PV modules
moduleare framed
rises within extrusions
by 1 degree. When the
PV module is installed directly against the building insulation material, researchCurtain
(aluminum, steel, or wood) to withstand wind loads and rainfall penetration. [50], Li
walls
et can has
al. [51] be constructed
revealed thatinthe a variety of ways
temperature to meet
of the module many mayfunctional
rise and its needs, such as
performance
thermal
may insulation,
decrease owingweather tightness,
to the absence ofsoundproofing,
circulating air. and waterproofing.
As such, an increasingThese systems
number of
include stick curtain walls, unitized curtain walls, sealant structures, and point-fixed or
suspended façades [39].
Generally, double glazing PV systems perform better in terms of heat insulation than
single glazing PV systems [9]. To reduce heat transmission, an insulating layer may be
applied to single glazing PV systems [55]. According to relevant research, if a PV system is
directly applied to the outer skin in tropical regions, the interior temperature may increase,
thereby aggravating indoor thermal comfort and humidity problems [26]. Therefore, in
tropical regions, such as Singapore, the application of semitransparent BIPV windows
under all building orientations offers notable potential based on indicators such as power
production, artificial lighting power, and cooling energy consumption. To obtain the
greatest power production advantages from different modules, multiple design methods
are required to maximize the window-wall ratio under different orientations.
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 11 of 25

4.2.4. Accessories
Accessories are the external components of the building façade, such as shading de-
vices, balustrades, and parapet walls. Both transparent and opaque BIPV modules are
frequently adopted in accessories. Compared to first-generation PV cells, lightweight
second-generation PV cells exhibit a higher tolerance to partial shading and high tempera-
tures [11]. Hence, the latter cells are more suitable for use as shading devices. An adaptive
solar façade, i.e., a modular dynamic shading device, should be considered. Ren et al. [56]
studies indicate that the influence of shading on individual buildings vary significantly
from each other. Compared to the static PV shading system, the adaptive solar façade can
yield energy savings ranging from 20–80% [57]. Since this system can control both façade
electricity generation and building electricity consumption monitoring, it provides a new
building management method.
BIPV balconies, which usually refer to BIPV balustrades and parapet walls, can highlight
the architectural character of the building and its surroundings. BIPV balconies can make use
of this building surface to absorb sunlight. The PV modules can be grouped together based
on their orientation to form DC arrays with an exceptionally elegant appearance [58].

4.3. Singapore BIPV Projects

BIPV roofs offer a variety of design possibilities (Figure 5a–f). The application of
BIPV roofs in buildings may be limited due to the challenges associated with URA and
SCDF requirements. For example, adding a BIPV roof to an existing building may result in
an increased gross floor area, structural issues, and unfavorable functional organization.
However, BIPV roofs also offer multiple benefits, such as providing shelter from the weather
(solar/rain) while producing electricity. The concept of “PV Sky Gardens” proposed by [59]
is shown in (Figure 5a). By controlling the density of the grilles, a good natural ventilated
environment is created underneath the canopy, which reduces the energy consumption of
the cooling load and allows partial natural light to penetrate. The PV modules combined
with the grilles are developed as modular components that are convenient for installation
and disassembly. This solution enables the symbiotic use of three resources, i.e., natural
light, wind and solar radiation.
The BIPV opaque roof system (Figure 5b−d) is suitable for flat, sloped, and curved
roofs. To improve PV performance and reduce heat transfer to the interior, a ventilated
air gap is recommended for PV integration, (Figure 5b−d) especially in tropical regions,
which have hot summers. When the entire roof is a PV roof, the integration of aesthetics
and structure needs to be considered, such as the visual impact as a “fifth elevation” on
surrounding taller buildings such as glare and aesthetics, as well as preventing the PV
panels from bending due to gravity.
An “urban living room” (Figure 5e) is formed by a PV canopy over an open space in
the building complex. This shelter provides protection from solar radiation and rainwater,
creating a semi outdoor space for recreation, entertainment, and sports. The BIPV skylight
(Figure 5f) replaces the traditional glazing roof and shading louvers. By controlling the
PV density, the BIPV skylight provides proper lighting and thermal comfort control. Due
to the unique light and shadow effect cast by PV cells, it is very suitable for commercial,
public, and medical buildings, creating a vivid architectural experience [60].
In Singapore, if the exterior walls are plaster and paint, the building facade needs
to be repainted every five years. The paint cost is estimated at 50 SGD/m2 , while the
cleaning fee for cladding walls is only one-fifth of the cost of paint for low- and middle-
rise buildings [61]. This is an incentive for implementing BIPV cladding on buildings
(Figure 5g). As the BIPV cladding walls are opaque, PV acts as the outermost skin of the
building envelope, not only absorbing solar radiation to produce clean energy but also
shading the wall behind, which can reduce the indoor air temperature and air conditioning
energy consumption. A semitransparent BIPV curtain wall (Figure 5h) is the embodiment
of a highly integrated design, which meets the requirements of the building envelope,
such as weather proofing and horizontal wind load bearing. Changing the PV color,
 4.3. Singapore BIPV Projects
BIPV roofs offer a variety of design possibilities (Figure 5a–f). The application of BIPV
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 12 of 25
roofs in buildings may be limited due to the challenges associated with URA and SCDF
requirements. For example, adding a BIPV roof to an existing building may result in an
increased gross floor area, structural issues, and unfavorable functional organization.
material
However, and window-wall
BIPV roofs also ratio
offerplays an important
multiple role in
benefits, such asenergy savings
providing of high-rise
shelter from the
glass buildings, such as effective control of interior lighting, thermal
weather (solar/rain) while producing electricity. The concept of “PV Sky Gardens”comfort, and power
pro-
generation performance [62,63].
posed by [59] is shown in (Figure 5a). By controlling the density of the grilles, a good
BIPVventilated
natural shading devices are generally
environment suitable
is created for all building
underneath types,
the canopy, suchreduces
which as residential,
the en-
school, office, and medical buildings. Both existing and new buildings
ergy consumption of the cooling load and allows partial natural light to penetrate.can easily integrate
The PV
BIPV shading
modules devices
combined on their
with exterior
the grilles arewalls (Figureas5i),
developed which components
modular reduces the thermal
that are and
con-
visual discomfort caused by excessive solar radiation, especially for glazing
venient for installation and disassembly. This solution enables the symbiotic use of threecurtain wall
buildings
resources,and
i.e.,spaces
naturalsuch as wind
light, balconies
and and
solarcorridors.
radiation.

Figure5.5.Singapore
Figure SingaporeBIPV
BIPVprojects.
projects.

The BIPV
Table 3 andopaque
Figure 5roof showsystem (Figureof5b−d)
a collection BIPVisprojects
suitableinfor flat, sloped,
Singapore. Theand curved
summary
roofs. To improve PV performance and reduce heat transfer to
information for the BIPV projects includes the BIPV application types, PV module types,the interior, a ventilated
air gap is
installed recommended
capacity and titled forangle.
PV integration, (Figure 5b−d) especially in tropical regions,
which have hot summers. When the entire roof is a PV roof, the integration of aesthetics
and structure
Table 3. Singaporeneeds
BIPVto be considered, such as the visual impact as a “fifth elevation” on
projects.
surrounding taller buildings such as glare and aesthetics, as well as preventing the PV
Installed Capacity
No. Project Name panels
Year from bending
Applicationdue to gravity.
PV Module Type
(kWp/MWp)
Titled Angle Ref
An “urban living
Rooftop room” (Figure 5e) is formed by a PV canopy over an open space in
ventilated
a South Beach Tower 2016 CIGS 285.45 0 [64]
the building complex.BIPV This shelter provides protection from solar radiation and rainwater,

b Singapore Sports Hub creating

2014 a semi outdoor
Rooftop ventilatedspace for recreation, entertainment, and sports. The
p-Si 707.46 10◦ BIPV skylight
[65]
BIPV
(Figure 5f) replaces the traditional glazing roof and shading louvers. By controlling the
Rooftop ventilated Monocrystalline ◦ , east
c Cove Drive PV2011
density, the BIPV 44.84and thermal 10 [66] Due
BIPV skylight provides proper lighting
all-back contact comfort control.
to the unique light
Rooftop and shadow effect cast by PV cells, it is very suitable
ventilated for commercial,
d Zero Energy House 2008 a-Si 4.8 19◦ , northeast [66]
public, and medical BIPV buildings, creating a vivid architectural experience [60].
e Tanjong Pagar Center 2016 Rooftop skylight
In Singapore, if the exterior Transparent a-Si plaster and125
walls are paint, the building 0 [67]
facade needs to
Waterfront Promenade be 2010
repaintedRooftop
everyskylight
five years.Semitransparent
The paint cost
f m-Si is estimated32 at 50 SGD/m2,0while the cleaning [68]
Visitor Center
g Keppel DHCS 2013 Cladding façade p-Si 205.58 90◦ , northeast [66]
h Tampine Grande 2007 BIPV Curtain wall Thin film a-Si 6 90◦ , west [69]
i BCA Zero Energy Building 2009 BIPV shading device Thin film a-Si - west [70]
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 13 of 25

5. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

LCA is a method used to evaluate material and energy flows and their consequences
during the life cycles of items while also monitoring environmental and resource sus-
tainability. LCA can be applied to evaluate investment and system production levels
considering environmental impacts throughout the lifetime of implemented PV systems.
The IEA has defined LCA guidelines for PV systems [71] that are accepted by the Inter-
national Organization of Standardization (ISO) [16]. There are three major LCA phases
according to these guidelines, as follows:
(1) definition of the technical specifications and features of PV systems;
(2) description of the modeling methodologies to perform LCA of PV systems;
(3) reporting and dissemination of PV system LCA results.
The energy payback time (EPBT) and GHGE are the recommended and most com-
monly used metrics for LCA of PV systems.

5.1. EPBT
The EPBT, as a typical indicator used to evaluate energy generation systems, is the
required time during which the PV system generates the same amount of energy as that
utilized throughout its lifetime [72], i.e., the system creates the same amount of energy as it
consumes during its lifetime. The EPBT can determine if and to what degree a PV system
achieves a net energy gain throughout its lifetime as follows Equation (1) [16]:

Einput + EBOS,E
EPBT = (1)
Eoutput

where Einput is the PV module energy demand (MJ) during its lifetime, including the energy
for PV module manufacturing, transportation, installation, operation, maintenance and
disposal, EBOS,E is the BOS energy demand (MJ), including cabling, inverters, batteries,
other electronic and electrical components, and structural frames, and Eoutput denotes the
primary energy savings attributed to electricity generation by the PV system [73].

5.2. GHGE
Other than fossil fuel-based power systems, PV systems convert solar energy into
electricity, thus reducing the emissions of CO2 , CH4 , N2 O and chlorofluorocarbon dur-
ing power generation. Therefore, the GHGE can function as a key assessment indicator
for the LCA of PV systems. The GHGE rate is the emission rate of GHG per unit of
electricity produced by PV systems (g CO2 e/kWh), which can be expressed as follows
Equation (2) [16]:

GHGEtotal GHGEpv + GHGEBOS

GHGErate = = (2)
ELCA_output ELCA_output

where GHGE total denotes the total GHGE during the life cycle (g CO2e), ELCA_output is the total
electricity generated by the PV system during its life cycle (kWh), and GHGEPV and GHGEBOS
are the GHGEtotal of the PV modules and BOS components (g CO2e), respectively [73].
According to [10,74], Table 4 summaries the EPBT and GHGE rates of the five main
PV technologies is provided in, including mono-Si, poly-Si, a-Si, CdTe and CIS PV cells.
Compared to other energy sources, wind and hydropower achieve lower EPBT (0.2–2.3
and 0.24–3.09 years, respectively) and GHGE rate (6.2–46.0 and 2.2–74.8 g CO2 e/kWh,
respectively) values than those of the considered PV technologies [74,75]. Although PV
technologies exhibit higher influence values due to their increased energy consumption in
the manufacturing process, they are safer than nuclear energy within high-density urban
contexts, such as Singapore, and yield better environmental impacts than coal plants,
biomass fuels and combined-cycle gas turbines.
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 14 of 25

Table 4. Summary of the CED, EPBT and GHGE of the different solar PV technologies.

Type of PV Range of CED Range of EPBT Range of GHG Emissions

Technology (MJ/m2 ) (Years) (g CO2 e/kWh)
m–Si 2860–5253 2.1–12.1 30–46
p–Si 2699–5150 1.7–3.3 37
a–Si 710–1990 2.7–3.2 37.6
CdTe 790–1803 0.7–3.2 32.4
CIS 1069–1684 1.6–2.9 69

5.3. BIPV Standards

Because PV panels are considered building components, they are required to obey both
PV and building industry standards in terms of their electrical, safety and other features.
BIPV always has to deal with the following two different standardization and regulation
schemes: one is the often-regulated local building codes and international ISO standards
derived from the requirements of the building side, and the other is regulated from the
electrical side, with international IEC standards and mandatory, not fully harmonized
local regulations.
In 2016, the EN 50583 series “Photovoltaics in buildings” was published at the Eu-
ropean level, and other suggestions for additional work items were launched globally.
In October 2018, the updated ISO/TS 18178 (laminated solar PV glass) for ISO TC160
(glass in buildings) was released, which specified the appearance, durability and safety
requirements, test methods and designations for laminated solar photovoltaic (PV) glass
for use in buildings. Laminated solar PV glass is defined as laminated glass with integrated
photovoltaic power generation. ISO 12543 (Laminated Glass and Laminated Safety Glass
for Architectural Glazing) is referenced for many requirements other than electrical char-
acteristics and permits the use of various types of glass (float glass, patterned glass, etc.),
solar cells (crystalline silicon solar cells, thin-film solar cells, etc.) and interlayers (polyvinyl
butyral, ethylene vinyl acetate, etc.).
Over the course of more than three decades, the International Electrotechnical Com-
mission (IEC) has created a set of standards for photovoltaic (PV) modules and systems in
order to describe and evaluate their electrical performance [76]. Furthermore, several ISO
(International Organization for Standardization) standards apply to BIPV modules and
systems as building components. And, a new attempt was undertaken within IEC TC82
(82/1339/DC) in 2017 to form a project team, i.e., PT 63092 “Building Integrated Photo-
voltaics (BIPV)”, which includes specialists from ISO, IEC, and IEA PVPS Task 15 which
contains IEC 63092 specifies BIPV module requirements and BIPV system requirements.
In Singapore, building professionals, such as architects and planners, are encouraged
to refer to the above guidelines while designing and constructing BIPV systems. These
guidelines were jointly issued by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and BCA
and cover BIPV installation, safety requirements, maintenance activities, and restrictions
for conservative regions. Additionally, the Green Mark program, a sustainable building
certification program, grants points for performing solar potential and feasibility studies at
the design stage, in addition to PV installation in buildings. Singapore adopted the major
international PV standards and modified these standards to satisfy local requirements, e.g.,
SS IEC 61215, SS IEC 61730, and SS 601.
Moreover, due to the Singapore Statutes, the Codes of Practice for Fire Applications
in Buildings published by the Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF) highlight roof PV
arrangement requirements to ensure fire protection [77]. Additionally, a solar photovoltaic
(PV) roof-mounted module is in the scope of fire safety works inspected by appropriate
registered inspectors [78]. In addition, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment
(MSE) regulations state that solar photovoltaic panels are regulated non-consumer prod-
ucts [79] and the solar photovoltaic panel material recovery target is 70% [80]. Moreover,
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 15 of 25

MSE requests the submission of an energy use report each year from Singapore’s registered
corporations, which shall cover each business activity under the operational control of the
registered corporation, and the fraction of photovoltaic material manufactured that uses the
fluorinated compound fraction is on the lists of data on processes and activities resulting in
greenhouse gas emissions [81].

6. Barriers to BIPV Implementation in Singapore

As a densely populated city-state, Singapore notably contains vast façade areas of
high-rise buildings, thus creating an ideal area for BIPV deployment. However, there
are several barriers to widespread BIPV implementation in Singapore. Based on several
studies [9,82–84] on a multistakeholder approach, it has been demonstrated that even
though the driver of BIPV development accomplishes both Green Mark certification and
CO2 emission reduction, the barriers to BIPV implementation in Singapore can be classified
into the following five groups: policy barriers, economic barriers, product barriers, human
and social barriers, and information barriers, as summarized in Table 5.

Table 5. The barriers to BIPV implementation.

Difficulties in obtaining governmental approvals

Uncertainties in BIPV policies in the long-term
Policy barriers
Low electricity tariff from conventional sources
Lack of standards, codes or guidelines
The high upfront capital cost of BIPV
Economic barriers
The long payback period of BIPV systems
Lack of BIPV modular products
The low-energy conversion efficiency of BIPV systems
Reliability problem
Product barriers Heat transfer issues
Difficulties regarding cabling and connection
Unstable power generation quality
The complexity of the BIPV system
Human resources and Lack of professionals
social barriers Lack of public education and awareness of BIPV
Lack of information on BIPV products, suppliers and policies
Lack of life cycle cost analysis knowledge
Information barriers
Lack of BIPV demonstration projects
Lack of design tools

7. Future Research Needs of BIPV

7.1. Prefabricated BIPV Façade Module Products
According to a previous study [85], the most cost-effective way to reduce the cost
of BIPV systems is to develop prefabricated BIPV façade modules for new buildings
and renovations. Both the BIPV industry and prefabrication building industry share
similar features in that they both demand a highly automated manufacturing process to
produce items offsite, which requires high capital and upfront expenses. In addition, onsite
construction simply requires module assembly and erection. The combination of these two
areas exhibits the potential to drastically reduce onsite staffing costs. Due to the high level of
automation and standardization in the Japanese prefabricated housing industry, a relevant
prefabricated BIPV industry business model has been established and disseminated [86].
 Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 17 of 27

of automation and standardization in the Japanese prefabricated housing industry, a rel-

Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 evant prefabricated BIPV industry business model has been established and disseminated 16 of 25
[86].
In recent years, many studies have concentrated on prototype designs of BIPV mod-
ulesIn(Figure
recent6). A façade
years, manythat integrates
studies PVs with precast
have concentrated concretedesigns
on prototype (PVPC)ofhas BIPV been devel-
modules
oped in Shanghai, China [51] and is suitable for high-rise building
(Figure 6). A façade that integrates PVs with precast concrete (PVPC) has been developed construction integrated
with
in renewable
Shanghai, China energy (Figure
[51] and 6a) which
is suitable PVPC façades
for high-rise buildingcanconstruction
eliminate the need forwith
integrated steel
frames, thus lowering costs and freeing up more outside space for
renewable energy (Figure 6a) which PVPC façades can eliminate the need for steel frames, installation, in addition
to lowering
thus lowering thecosts
building
and heating
freeing gain
up moreand cooling
outsideload.spaceHowever, the air gap
for installation, between the
in addition to
PV panelthe
lowering andbuilding
concreteheating
surfacegain is a stationary
and cooling cavity,
load. which
However, maythenotair
provide an efficient
gap between the
heat
PV dissipation
panel and concretesolution. In addition,
surface in another
is a stationary study,
cavity, a prefabricated
which may not provideBIPV an wooden
efficientfa-
çade (Figure 6b) was developed comprising the following three
heat dissipation solution. In addition, in another study, a prefabricated BIPV wooden major layers: the outer
skin of(Figure
façade the PV6b) system, a natural ventilated
was developed comprising airthe
cavity in the three
following middle andlayers:
major an inner theframed
outer
wooden
skin of the panel with thermal
PV system, a natural insulation
ventilated [87].air
However,
cavity inthis
theprototype
middle and might not fitframed
an inner within
the context
wooden panelof Asian countries
with thermal with high
insulation population
[87]. However, densities, high-urban
this prototype might density
not fit settings
within
andcontext
the a scarcity of forestland
of Asian countriesresources.
with highFurthermore, a lightweight
population densities, glass block-integrated
high-urban density settings
DSSC
and (Figure of
a scarcity 6c)forestland
was examined [88]. The
resources. PV glass block
Furthermore, can be installed,
a lightweight assembled and
glass block-integrated
constructed using joints, allowing for easy dismantlement
DSSC (Figure 6c) was examined [88]. The PV glass block can be installed, assembled and replacement. Due toand the
limitations of
constructed third-generation
using joints, allowing PV for
cells,
easytheir power generation
dismantlement efficiency is limited.
and replacement. Due to the The
European Commission
limitations Horizon
of third-generation PV2020
cells,project for modular
their power façadeefficiency
generation retrofitting with renew-
is limited. The
European
able energy Commission
technology Horizon
(MFRRn) 2020was project for modular
reviewed façade
[89]. There areretrofitting withways
three distinct renewable
to ret-
energy technology
rofit renewable (MFRRn)
energy was reviewed
technologies, [89]. Theresystems,
i.e., frame-based are threelayer-based
distinct ways to retrofit
systems, and
renewable energyoftechnologies,
the combination these two systems i.e., frame-based
(Figure 6d). systems,
Followinglayer-based
preceding systems,
studies,and it isthe
es-
combination of these two systems (Figure 6d). Following preceding studies,
sential to consider all aspects of the integration of a high-efficiency PV module, ventilated it is essential to
consider all aspects of the integration of a high-efficiency PV module,
PV system, automatic manufacturing process, and convenient installation and erection ventilated PV system,
automatic
proceduresmanufacturing
without sacrificing process,the and
range convenient installation
of customizations and erection
to adapt to existingprocedures
and new
without
buildings.sacrificing the range of customizations to adapt to existing and new buildings.

Figure6.6.(a)
Figure (a)Façade-integrated
Façade-integrated photovoltaics
photovoltaics with
with precast
precast concrete
concrete (PVPC)
(PVPC) [51].
[51]. (b) Wood
Wood panel-
panel-
integrated photovoltaics [87]. (c) Glass block-integrated photovoltaics [88]. (d) Modular façade
integrated photovoltaics [87]. (c) Glass block-integrated photovoltaics [88]. (d) Modular façade ret-
rofit with renewable energy technology (MFRRn): upper: frame-based system; middle: layer-based
retrofit with renewable energy technology (MFRRn): upper: frame-based system; middle: layer-based
system; and lower: the combination of these two systems [89].
system; and lower: the combination of these two systems [89].

Singapore has
Singapore hasunique
uniqueadvantages
advantagesin inPV
PVtechnology
technologyintegration
integrationwith
withprefabricated
prefabricated
construction technologies. First, the majority of the existing housing buildings
construction technologies. First, the majority of the existing housing buildings were werebuilt
built
by the
by the Housing Development
Development Board
Board(HDB)
(HDB)ininthe 1980s,
the which
1980s, suggests
which thatthat
suggests the the
PV sys-
PV
tem cancan
system be integrated with
be integrated similar
with dimensions
similar and and
dimensions economically deployed
economically in large
deployed num-
in large
bers [24].[24].
numbers In addition, design
In addition, for for
design manufacturing
manufacturing and assembly
and (DfMA)
assembly (DfMA)isisidentified
identifiedasasa
a game-changing construction method in the construction industry of Singapore, which
involves structural steel, advanced precast concrete systems (APCSs) and prefabricated
prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC). DfMA provides guidelines to increase the
manufacturing efficiency and streamline the assembly process to reduce costs and improve
 game-changing construction method in the construction industry of Singapore, which in-
volves structural steel, advanced precast concrete systems (APCSs) and prefabricated pre-
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 finished volumetric construction (PPVC). DfMA provides guidelines to increase the 17 man-
of 25
ufacturing efficiency and streamline the assembly process to reduce costs and improve
the overall system performance [90]. The Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore
(SERIS)
the overalland the National
system University
performance [90].ofThe
Singapore (NUS) Research
Solar Energy Department of Architecture
Institute have
of Singapore
created a modular pod based on these design principles to assist architects and
(SERIS) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) Department of Architecture have developers
in simply
created integrating
a modular BIPV on
pod based technology intoprinciples
these design building façades
to assist (Figure 7).and
architects A test building
developers
was constructed with multiple prefabricated BIPV elements (panelized walls,
in simply integrating BIPV technology into building façades (Figure 7). A test building monsoon
windows,
was unitized
constructed withwalls and fixture
multiple walls) BIPV
prefabricated to simulate different
elements construction
(panelized methods.
walls, monsoon
The structure
windows, manufacture
unitized relied
walls and on walls)
fixture a highly
toautomated process of
simulate different light gaugemethods.
construction steel roll-
forming machines. The multifunctionality of these prototypes enables them
The structure manufacture relied on a highly automated process of light gauge steel to meet the
roll-
requirements of connection and cabling, dry assembly, and noise- and weatherproofing.
forming machines. The multifunctionality of these prototypes enables them to meet the
The interior thermal
requirements performance
of connection of the building
and cabling, and the
dry assembly, andenergy
noise-generation performance
and weatherproofing.
can be monitored and evaluated through various embedded sensors.
The interior thermal performance of the building and the energy generation performance
can be monitored and evaluated through various embedded sensors.

Figure7.7.Modular
Figure ModularPodPod designed
designed by SERIS
by SERIS and
and the the Department
Department of Architecture
of Architecture at NUS
at NUS (authors’ (authors’
drawings).
drawings).
7.2. Productive BIPV Façade
7.2. Singapore
Productive heavily
BIPV Façade
depends on energy and food imports to meet the growing domes-
tic demand. Forheavily
Singapore securitydepends
considerations,
on energyit and
is essential to gradually
food imports to meet increase localdomes-
the growing food
and energy production
tic demand. For securitylevels in the future.
considerations, it isDue to thetopressure
essential graduallyofincrease
the growing popula-
local food and
tion and production
energy limited land, innovative
levels integration
in the future. Due toofthePVpressure
shadingof devices and vertical
the growing farming
population and
(VF) planters
limited land,into buildingintegration
innovative façades (Figure
of PV 8), referred
shading to as productive
devices and verticalfaçades
farming (PFs),
(VF)
could be an alternative method to achieve self-sufficiency in the field of power and
planters into building façades (Figure 8), referred to as productive façades (PFs), could be food
for
anSingapore
alternative[91].
method to achieve self-sufficiency in the field of power and food for Singa-
porePF-related
[91]. investigations have recently been proposed and conducted [91] to examine
the potential of PFs in Southeast Asia and Singapore with 57 cases considering the four
key aspects of building typology and morphology, plot ratio, site coverage and building
height. Their study revealed that PFs could be suitable under all construction orientations
in low-latitude regions. In the cases with the lowest plot ratios (PR < 1.9) and smallest
building heights (<42 m), food and energy self-sufficiency, respectively, were achieved.
Ref. [92] proposed two types of PF-integrated systems, namely, window façades and
balconies, with 8 prototypes under four orientations (Figure 8a). The optimal design
was selected via the multiple attribute decision-making (Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija
I Kompromisno Resenje or VIKOR) optimization method and installed at the Tropical
Technologies Laboratory (T2 Lab) of the NUS, and five critical functions were compared
(interior daylight autonomy, power generation, irradiance, vegetable productivity level
 Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 18 of 25

and viewing angle). Kosorić et al. [20] conducted a door-to-door survey among Singapore
social housing residents to collect data on social acceptance, aesthetic requirements, and
maintenance of PF designs. A web survey was also conducted of local Singapore building
experts regarding certain key design aspects, such as façade aesthetics, material use, views
from the inside, operation, functionality, and architectural quality [93]. These two survey
x FOR PEER REVIEW studies revealed positive responses among both end users and building 19 professionals.
of 27
However, the application scalability from the building scale to the city scale requires
further investigation.

Figure 8. (a) Eight PF Figure

prototypes under
8. (a) Eight four orientations;
PF prototypes under four(b): Photograph
orientations; of the constructed
(b): Photograph PF at PF at
of the constructed
the NUS T2 Lab [92]. the NUS T2 Lab [92].
7.3. BIPV Recycling
PF-related investigations have recently been proposed and conducted [91] to exam-
Upon BIPV installation enhancement, it is essential to consider the issue of BIPV
ine the potential of PFs in Southeast
recycling. Globally,Asia and Singapore
a PV waste withapproximately
amount totaling 57 cases considering the four
250 tons occurred in 2016,
key aspects of building
and thetypology and morphology,
waste amount plotfrom
is expected to range ratio, sitemillion
1.7–8 coverage
tons byand building
2030 and will reach
height. Their study approximately
revealed that78 PFsmillion
could tons
beby 2050, with
suitable the possible
under value of theorientations
all construction recovered material
exceeding 15 billion US dollars by 2050 [32,94]. Therefore, PV panel recycling is an urgent
in low-latitude regions. In the cases with the lowest plot ratios (PR < 1.9) and smallest
environmental issue but may also yield notable economic benefits in subsequent decades.
building heights (<42 m), Thefood and energy
development of BIPVself-sufficiency,
recycling can be respectively,
divided into thewere achieved.
following three fields:
[92] proposed two types
policyof PF-integrated
making, systems, namely,
recycling technology and design window façades(DfD).
for disassembly and In balconies,
terms of policy
with 8 prototypes under
making,four orientations
Europe is the pioneer,(Figure
as it has 8a). The optimal
established a stringent design wasframework,
regulatory selected while
other countries have initiated the implementation of
via the multiple attribute decision-making (Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompro- comparable restrictions. Currently,
the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2012/19/EU [95] governs
misno Resenje or VIKOR) optimization method and installed at the Tropical Technologies
the recycling obligations of PV producers within the European Union (EU). Additionally,
Laboratory (T2 Lab)the ofJapan
the NUS, and five
Photovoltaic critical
Energy functions
Association were
(JPEA) hascompared
suggested a (interior
voluntaryday-
standard
light autonomy, power generation,
for end-of-life (EoL)irradiance,
PV panels [10].vegetable
However,productivity
other countrieslevel and PV
with large viewing
deployment
angle). Kosorić et al.markets, such as the United
[20] conducted States, Indiasurvey
a door-to-door and China, have not
among formulated
Singapore such EoL
social PV panel
hous-
regulations. PV waste is categorized in these countries as general electronic waste or as
ing residents to collect data on social acceptance, aesthetic requirements, and maintenance
hazardous and nonhazardous solid waste materials in the absence of specific PV regulations.
of PF designs. A web surveyapproximately
Currently, was also conducted of local
10% of all EoL Singapore
PV panels worldwide building experts
are recycled [32]. re-
garding certain key design aspects, such as façade aesthetics, material use, views
Regarding PV recycling technology, the principle of the circular economy has from thegained
increasing acceptance
inside, operation, functionality, as a means of quality
and architectural transforming
[93].the current
These twoPVsurvey
industrystudies
into an ideal
closed-loop circular recycling system capable of efficiency
revealed positive responses among both end users and building professionals. However, improvement and energy con-
sumption reduction during the recycling process, in addition to increasing the recycling
the application scalability from the building scale to the city scale requires further inves-
and recovery rates. Given that crystalline silicon (c-Si)-based PV panels have accounted for
tigation. 80–90% of the market over the last two decades, these c-Si PV panels are the main types of
PV panels for recycling in the future, including their components, such as glass, aluminum
7.3. BIPV Recycling frames, solar cells, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulants, and composite Tedlar back
sheets manufactured via lamination as one panel. EVA removal and PV panel dismantling
Upon BIPV installation enhancement,
are regarded it is essential
as the most challenging aspectstoofconsider theprocess
the recycling issue of BIPV
[46]. re-
Nevertheless,
cycling. Globally, a PV waste amount totaling approximately 250 tons occurred in 2016,
and the waste amount is expected to range from 1.7–8 million tons by 2030 and will reach
approximately 78 million tons by 2050, with the possible value of the recovered material
exceeding 15 billion US dollars by 2050 [32,94]. Therefore, PV panel recycling is an urgent
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 19 of 25

the market for PV recycling is expected to be enormous in the near future, and there are
currently only a few specific PV recycling companies in the industry.
Since PV panels on building façades function as both a power generator and building
skin, the disassembly of PV panels could greatly affect building functions, involving many
factors, such as cabling and connection, water- and weatherproofing features, construction
risks for high-rise buildings and numerous other issues. Therefore, in contrast to BAPV
and PV farms, the DfD of BIPVs should be considered at the early design stage. Due to
the high energy consumption and low recycling rate in the construction industry, the DfD
concept was developed in the 1990s and has only recently gained attention in mainstream
practice, such as in the London Plan. Although the EU Building as Material Banks (BAMB)
project [96] and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have published
standards [97] for the abovementioned design process, certain sustainability certifications
also grant points for DfD, such as LEED and Green Globes. DfD targeting BIPV technology
requires a comprehensive and detailed disassembly plan that includes deconstruction
instructions and methods for reuse, recycling and reclamation of building components and
PV panels, all of which require recording and tracking the entire life cycle. In addition,
it is essential to design appropriate PV joints to facilitate disassembly and minimize the
employment of heavy equipment. PV joint design should prioritize dry assembly, such as
the adoption of bolts, screws or nails in connections, instead of applying chemical methods,
such as sealers, glues or welding.
Although the need for PV recycling will be met within the next 5–10 years in Singa-
pore, related regulations have been established under the concept of extended producer
responsibility (EPR), which requires PV producers, including importers and manufacturers,
to offer free take-back services for EoL PV panels starting in 2022.

7.4. Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect

Urban heat island (UHI) effects exert a notable impact on the local weather conditions
in cities, resulting in temperatures that are higher in urban areas than in rural areas. This
phenomenon may increase energy consumption related to air conditioning by altering
building thermal conditions [98] and may result in a health crisis as a result of climate
warming [99]. This mainly occurs because building surface materials such as concrete and
steel absorb solar radiation during the daytime, after which heat is radiated into air at night,
thus increasing the ambient temperature.
The implementation of BIPV systems on building roofs and façades modifies the
nature of rooftops and façades, respectively, and may affect energy transfer between the
atmosphere and buildings. Several studies have demonstrated that BIPV surfaces can
mitigate UHIs and reduce cooling loads in the summer. At the urban scale, Taha, Genchi
et al. and Masson et al. [100–102] reported that PV systems on buildings exert no negative
impacts on the air temperature and UHI phenomenon in high-density cities, such as Los
Angeles, Tokyo and Paris, if opaque PV panels are installed in large city areas. In addition,
although a considerable temperature change occurs on the building surface at the building
scale, there is no effect on the local microclimate, such as in Tianjin city, China [103]. This is
mostly attributed to the shading effect of PV panels, which may help reduce cooling load-
related energy usage. Additionally, partial substitution of fossil fuels with solar technology
may help reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate the effects of UHIs [104].
However, there are only a few studies focusing on the effects of UHIs on BIPV
performance. Studies have revealed that BIPV power generation may decline slightly
due to the increased ambient temperature attributed to the UHI phenomenon, e.g.,
refs. [104–106] compared 27 available PV-related software programs and found that there
is a lack of software programs that consider the UHI impact on PV panels integrated into
buildings. Further investigation of the relationship between BIPV systems and local urban
microclimate conditions is necessary.
Research on the UHI effect on BIPV systems in cities involves collaboration among
different professionals, such as urban planners, architects, engineers and policy makers. It is
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 20 of 25

necessary to compile a comprehensive city-scale database of solar potential to evaluate solar

technology implementation in building envelopes in the future. An integrated platform
should be developed in the future based on existing infrastructure information among vari-
ous city administrative agencies. This platform can support researchers in the investigation
of BIPV implementation and facilitate decision making during policy development [32].

7.5. Conclusions
Although BIPV systems have gained attention recently, the application of BIPV is still
in a niche market. Taking Singapore as an example, the establishment of BIPV systems
offers insights for other tropical countries facing comparable challenges. Based on the
literature review, the following conclusions are highlighted:
To meet the target of the Paris Agreement, Singapore must make use of solar energy
due to the limitation of energy resources and land. BIPV is applicable for high-density
urban scenarios.
BIPV is an essential factor to help tropical buildings become green buildings, such as
super low energy buildings, zero energy buildings and positive energy buildings.
Through a review of the state of PV technologies and BIPV applications in Singapore,
the efficiency of PV cells should be improved, and demonstrative BIPV buildings should
be encouraged.
Developing holistic BIPV regulation is important, as many still believe that BIPV is
a technology material and not a building construction material. The lack of related local
BIPV regulations hinders BIPV façade implementation.
Based on the barriers to BIPV implementation in Singapore, an information and knowl-
edge sharing platform should be established among stakeholders and technology developers.
Future BIPV implementation research can focus on prefabricated construction, food
and energy, material recycling, and mitigation of the urban heat island effect.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, T.C., Y.A. and C.K.H.; methodology, T.C. and Y.A.;
writing—original draft preparation, T.C.; writing—review and editing, Y.A.; supervision, C.K.H. All
authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by the National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF), the
Energy Market Authority of Singapore (EMA) and the Singapore Economic Development Board
(EDB) grant number [R-712-000-083-272].
Acknowledgments: This work was conducted under a Solar Competitive Research Program grant
from the National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF) through the Singapore Economic Develop-
ment Board (EDB). The project “Cost-effective high-power density BIPV modules” (R-712-000-083-272)
is implemented by the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) in collaboration with
the Department of Architecture in the College of Design and Engineering (CDE) at the National
University of Singapore (NUS). SERIS is a research institute at the National University of Singapore
(NUS). SERIS is supported by the NUS, the National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF), the
Energy Market Authority of Singapore (EMA) and the Singapore Economic Development Board
(EDB).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Abbreviations

A PV cell area (m2 )

ACC accelerated scenario
APCS advanced precast concrete system
BAMB Building as Material Banks
BAPV building-attached photovoltaic
BAS baseline scenario
BCA Building and Construction Authority
BIPV building integrated photovoltaic
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 21 of 25

BOS balance of system

BREEAM Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment
CED cumulative energy demand (MJ/m2 )
CIGS copper indium gallium selenide
CdTe cadmium telluride
German Sustainable Building Council (Deutsche Gesellschaft für
DGNB
Nachhaltiges Bauen)
DSSC dye-sensitized solar cell
DfD design for disassembly
DfMA design for manufacturing and assembly
EBOS,E balance of system energy demand (MJ)
ELCA_output electricity generated by the PV system during the life cycle (kWh)
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
EPBT energy payback time (years)
EU European Union
EVA ethylene-vinyl acetate
Einput PV module energy demand (MJ)
EoL end-of-life
Eoutput primary energy savings attributed to PV electricity generation
Etot total incident irradiance (W/m2 )
GHG greenhouse gas
GHGE greenhouse gas emissions (g CO2 e)
greenhouse gas emissions of a balance of system components
GHGEBOS
during the life cycle (g CO2 e)
GHGEPV greenhouse gas emissions of the PV module during the life cycle (g CO2 e)
emission rate of greenhouse emissions per unit of electricity produced by
GHGErate
PV systems (g CO2 e/kWh)
GHGEtotal total greenhouse gas emissions during the life cycle (g CO2 e)
GM SLE program Green Mark for Super Low Energy Building Program
HDB Singapore Housing Development Board
HVAC heating, ventilation and air conditioning
IEA International Energy Agency
IMP maximum current (A)
JPEA Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association
LCA life cycle assessment
LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
MEP mechanical, electrical and plumbing
MFRRn modular façade retrofit with renewable energy technology
NUS National University of Singapore
PEBs positive energy buildings
PF productive façade
PPVC prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction
PV photovoltaic
PVPC integrating PVs with precast concrete
SCDF Singapore Civil Defense Force
SERIS Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore
SGBMP Singapore Green Building Masterplan
SLEBs super low energy buildings
T2 Lab Tropical Technologies Laboratory
UHI urban heat island
URA Singapore Urban Redevelopment Authority
VF vertical farming
WEEE Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
a-Si amorphous silicon
m-Si mono-crystalline
p-Si Polycrystalline
η PV cell efficiency (%)
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10160 22 of 25

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 One of the major drivers for this cost decline is the sector (Fig. 1.6). The primary reason for this reduction is
MW rapid decrease of installation costs in the last decade. the global decline in PV module cost, which is about
During 2013-2020, the Indian residential sector solar 57% in India from 2013 to 2018 for the GW-scale mar-
50 49,301 PV total installed cost attained a reduction of about ket. Utility-scale PV projects with a very competitive
40,085 70%, from 2,401 USD/kW to 658 USD/kW. Together cost in India led to a total installed cost of 596 USD/kW,
40 with Brazil, it is the highest cost reduction in the last a value 8% lower than in China. The role of PV modules
34,628
decade (Fig. 1.5). From 2017 to 2020, a cost reduction price is crucial in the Indian PV sector, as it covers a large
30 28,181 of about 35% is registered within the commercial part of the total installation cost (Fig. 1.7) [13].
21,651
20
Fig. 1.5 Residential sector solar PV total installed cost by country, 2013-2020. Source: IRENA.
9,363 9,216
10 6,529 6,447 Fig. 1.6 Commercial sector solar PV total installed cost by country, 2013-2020. Source: IRENA.
5,458

0
* April to December 2021 2020 USD/kW
0

*
21
01

-1

-1

-1

-1

-1

-1

-1

-1

-1

-2

-2
14 5,000 15

20
10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20
o2

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20
t
Up

4,500
Capacity added during the financial year Cumulative capacity
4,000

Fig. 1.3 India total solar PV capacity 2010-2020. Source: MNRE and India Renevables Dashboard. 3,500

3,000
The PV potential of different states, based on land area, PV tariff and cost breakdown
has been calculated by MNRE [12]. Fig. 1.2 (previous India is now the 5th largest country in terms of installed 2,500
page) shows the PV potential of the States & Union solar capacity. India intends to procure around 300 GW
Territories of India and their utilised potential (% of PV of its electricity coming from solar by 2030. To achieve 2,000
potential utilized by solar PV installations including that, the two key drivers, as suggested by Solar Power
grid-connected, off-grid and rooftop installations), Europe (SPE) for solar energy growth are; i) increasing 1,500
drawing their corresponding performance (based on tender activity and ii) decreasing the solar PV tariff,
MNRE data). Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharash- enabling India to conclude one of the lowest solar auc- 1,000
tra and Madhya Pradesh constitute 50% of the total PV tion bids around the globe in 2020. Fig. 1.4 shows the
potential in India. However, among the states, only decreasing trend of solar PV tariff in India from 6.17 500
Punjab, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu utilised more than INR/kWh in 2014 to a new low of 1.99 INR/kWh in
20% of the PV potential. 2020, for a 500 MW tender in Gujarat [12].
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Fig. 1.4 India trend in solar PV tariffs 2015-2021. Source: MNRE. AU BR CN DE IN IT JP CH US

INR/kWh 3,000
6.17
6 2,500
4.34
4 3.30 2,000
2.44 2.44 2.36
1.99
2 1,500

0 1,000

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 500

 USD/kW INR/Wp
1,832
1,800 20 0.80 0.22 0.54 20.37
0.50 0.17 0.24 0.04
1.20
16.04 0.62
1,600 15

1,400 10

1,200 1,103 1,101 5

1,061

1,000 949 0

Depreciation
Bill of
materials

Labour

Logistics

Electricity

Other
utilities

Land lease

Other
overheads

Cost of
debt

Return on
equity

Total
781
800 700
651
596
600
16 17
400

200 Fig. 1.8 Total cost PV module. Source: CEEW.

AU BR CN DE IN IT JP KR US INR/Wp
0.58 0.27 16.04
1.64 0.15 0.26
Modules Other Hardware Installation Soft Costs 15 0.49
1.73
0.86
9.26 0.79
10
Fig. 1.7 Detailed breakdown of utility-scale solar PV total installation costs by country, 2020. Source: IRENA.
5

Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) The cost breakdown revealed that around 86% of the 0
conducted a recent survey (May 2020) among the module selling price is associated with bill of materials

TPT/PVDF backsheet

EVA backsheet

Packaging material
Aluminium frame

Junction box
Cell

Glass

Ribbon

Silicon

Others

Total
major domestic module manufacturing companies in (Fig. 1.8), and 58% of it corresponds to solar cell price
India having an annual manufacturing capacity ranging (Fig. 1.9). Thus, the cell price of 9.26 INR/Wp consti-
from 100MW to 2,000MW to value the cost disinte- tutes 45% share of the module selling price of 20.37
gration of PV module manufacturing in India (consid- INR/Wp. Detailed cost disintegration is shown in Fig.
ered only manufacturing of modules from cells). The 1.8 and Fig. 1.9. The survey was also extended to Chi-
manufacturing companies are Adani Solar, Emmvee nese manufacturing companies, to compare the cost
Solar, Goldi Solar Private Limited, IB Solar, Jakson Limit- analysis. Compared to the Indian sector, the selling
ed, Navitas Green Solutions Private Limited, Renewsys price is 5.05 INR lesser per Wp (33% cheaper) in China,
India Private Limited, Tata Power Solar, Vikram Solar owing to insignificant contribution from electricity, Fig. 1.9 Cost breakdown of the PV module (only material). Source: CEEW.
Limited, Waaree Energies Limited. land lease, other overheads, cost of debt, and return on
The following assumptions have been considered [14]: equity. Bills of material, including cell price, also cost
• Production of mono passivated emitter and rear lesser, compared with the Indian context. India cur-
cell (PERC) modules with manufacturing plant rently has a manufacturing capacity of 10 GW of solar
capacity of 500 MW (IN) and 2,000 MW (CN) modules from solar cells, 3 GW of solar cells from
• Plant’s capital expenditure (solar cell to solar wafers, and zero production of Polysilicon/ Wafer/
module) of 0.3 INR crore/MW (IN) and 0.2 INR Ingots [15]. India mostly relies on countries like China,
crore/MW (CN) Vietnam, and Thailand for cell import and China, Viet-
• Plant’s useful life of 5 years nam, Malaysia and some domestic supply for other
• Capacity utilisation of 50% (IN) and 100% (CN) materials (TPT/PVDF sheets, EVA backsheets, Glass,
• Return on equity (pre-tax) of 18% (IN) and 10% Ribbons, aluminium frames and junction boxes), this is
(CN) a major reason for the competitive disadvantage of
 1.2 Penetration of PV in the building sector 1,000 kWh per year by 2012. The Tariff Policy of 2006 reached their 2022 target of 20 GW ahead of the
introduced the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) timeline, and the goal was raised to 100 GW, while in
to fix a minimum percentage of the renewable energy 2019, the Rooftop Phase-II under the JNNSM was
purchase of the total energy consumption for the launched by targeting a cumulative building rooftop PV
states. Generation Based Incentives (GBIs) were intro- capacity of 40 GW by the year 2022. In 2018 the Indi-
Evolution of PV sector in India promotion and commercialisation of solar-based elec- duced later at that time for small grid solar projects an utility-scale solar PV total installed cost achieved a
Within this section, the evolutionary process of solar tricity. IREDA, formed in 1987, focussed for funding, below 33 kW, offering an incentive per kWh of grid-in- decrease of 84% in comparison with 2010. It repre-
installations in India is analysed with the most repre- commercialisation and promotion of New and Renew- teractive solar and wind energy generation. This was sents the highest cost reduction if compared with
sentative milestones of the country. The process is able Sources of Energy (NRSE) programme, which was majorly withdrawn for utility-scale plants later due to Countries like China (-77%), Germany (-69%), Italy
assessed by analysing the regulation and policies that financially assisted by the Government of Netherlands, the rapid growth of the renewable energy sector. Oth- (-83%), Japan (-74%) and United States (-66%) [13].
influenced the decisions made by the stakeholders of World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and The er incentives like accelerated depreciation (AD) and The new policies promoted by the GoI permitted to
the solar value chain. This historical memory is expect- Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), viability gap funding (VGF) were introduced after that. reach a solar PV capacity of about 49.3 GW by the end
ed to be useful to foresee new trends and optimise the and executed by IREDA in coordination with state GoI, under its National Action Plan on Climate Change of 2021, with a rooftop PV capacity of about 6.1 GW,
investments in solar assets. The purpose of this section energy development agencies. In 1992, new ministry (NAPCC) launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar as reported by the distribution companies (DISCOMs)
is to examine and find some key points, trends and was formed for renewable energy sector, with the Mission (JNNSM) or called National Solar Mission [17] [18] [19] [20] [9] [21] [12].
breakthroughs defining the evolving path of techno- conversion of DNES to Ministry of Non-conventional (NSM), in 2010, to revolutionise solar energy as the
18 logical innovation linked to photovoltaic transfer to Energy Sources (MNES). The Ministry was relabelled as way forward to attain energy security and mitigate the Landmark PV building installations 19
buildings. The most representative events and case the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) as issue of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The pro- The concept of Building Adapted Photovoltaics / Build-
studies within the BIPV framework are shown in a of now in 2006. gramme set the foot for rapid photovoltaic implemen- ing Integrated Photovoltaics was well realised even
timeline, a graphical tool that includes the core of the During the 9th FYP, GoI adopted a more far-reaching tation in India. In 2010, in India, a PV utility-scale before JNNSM, which was marked as the point of
first chapter. Finally, an overview of BIPV showcases reform to encourage private sector participation in the installation cost was about 5,000 USD/kW, while the growth for the Indian PV sector. Probably the first
and best practices is offered to sensitise and apprise renewable energy sector for energy generation, trans- total installed capacity reached about 11MW/year [16]. notable adoption of PV in buildings other than conven-
architects, designers, industries about the aesthetic, mission and distribution. The Independent Renewable Interesting to notice that during the same year in Ger- tional rooftop installations came in 2007, at Samundra
and energetic metrics for BIPV solutions. Power Producers (IRPP) were given the right to power many, the cost was about 3,500 USD/kW, 5,000 USD/ Institute of Maritime Studies (Fig. 1.10), Maharashtra,
The first research and development programs in the through the existing transmission lines controlled by kW in Italy and 4,000 USD/kW in the United States commissioned by Tata BP Solar. The campus was
field of solar energy utilisation in India were introduced State Electricity Boards (SEBs) with the liberty to sell [13]. installed with a total of 90 kW PV installations, occu-
in 1980, about 20 years after the initial discussion of the power to any third party. Also, the decentralised Under the JNNSM, Rooftop Phase-I programme was pied as both translucent and opaque façades. The three
solar energy utilisation in India, in the 3rd Five Year approach gave more opportunities to electrify villages launched in December 2015, which marked the begin- hundred feet long photovoltaic solar wall in the Mari-
Plan (FYP is introduced for India’s economic strategies in India. Special Action Plan (SAP) was promoted for ning of India's BIPV/BAPV activities supported by GoI. time Workshop structures for 60 KW PV installation.
and planning). The programs initially emphasised upgrading and standardising Renewable energy pro- The programme tried to attract residential, commer- The Administration Building utilises northern light
industrial energy demand and decentralised imple- duction, especially solar panels in India. With the cial, industrial and institutional sectors by providing through its wavy glass atrium wall, while 30kW PV
mentation potential in rural areas. One year later, in implementation on one side, GoI also focussed on subsidies and incentives for rooftop PV plants ranging was placed at the south-facing façade.
March 1981, the Commission for Additional Sources of more technology development through industries for from 1 kWp to 500 kWp capacity. In 2018, India
Electricity (CASE) was formed, and the National Solar the PV sector with initiatives like, Programme Aimed at
Photovoltaic Energy Demonstration Program Technological Self Reliance (PATSER) promoted by the
(NASPAD) was introduced by Central Electronics Limit- Department of Scientific Industrial Research (DSIR). Fig. 1.10 Institute of Maritime studies. Source: Ramprasad Akkisetti and Deepak Kaw.
ed (CEL), which marked the beginning of solar photo- In order to speed up the diffusion of solar installations,
voltaic activities in India. CASE, more of an autonomous around the end of the 2000s, subsidies were intro-
body, was charged with promoting, funding and gen- duced by various local governments. In Germany, the
erally supporting solar power research and integration. Renewable Energy Sources Act came into effect in
The NASPAD program supported R&D activities with 2000, and many countries around the world have
CEL for developing reduced cost photovoltaics and adopted similar regulatory frameworks. GoI estab-
improving their efficiency for Multi-Crystalline Silicon lished the Electricity Act in 2003; the act provides a
Solar Cells and to fabricate Ultra-High Efficiency (UHE) framework for the overall growth of the electricity
solar cells. During the same year, CEL was engaged in sector with the private sector's participation and set a
manufacturing solar PV cells and modules, and it reasonable pricing for energy distribution. Provisions
achieved a total capacity of 10.35 kW. In 1982, the for preferential tariffs and quotas were provided for
Department of Non-Conventional Energy Sources renewable energy. Also, mandatory procurement of
(DNES) was formed under the Ministry of Energy for renewable energy for distribution licensees and facili-
developing the renewable energy sector in India. tation of grid connectivity were incorporated.
Between 80’s and 90’s many groups, agencies and The 2005 National Electricity Policy allows preferential
programs have been formed to promote the use of tariffs for power produced from renewable energy
clean energy resources, including the Indian Renewa- sources. It aimed to provide access to electricity to all
ble Energy Development Agency (IREDA), for the and increase the minimum per capita availability to
 Meanwhile, Tata BP Solar and Moser Baer India Ltd., building design stage itself. The Indira Paryavaran Bha-
was also involved in other building projects, such as the wan, building for Ministry of Environment and Forest
façade installation at Tata Consulting Engineers Limit- (MoEF), in Jorbagh, New Delhi, was inaugurated in
ed’s office building, Jamshedpur in 2009 and 1.8 kWp 2014, which sets itself as an exemplar for a change
façade installation at Jubilee Hills shopping complex of from conventional building design to net-zero energy
Hyderabad in 2011, respectively. approach (Fig. 1.11). The building is considered as
One year after the launch of the JNNSM programme, in India’s first NZEB, one of the highest rated green build-
2011, on the administrative building own by Festo in ings in India. It received five-star rating of Green Rating
Noida, has been integrated a solar shading device, real- for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) by MNRE
ised by Tata Power Solar with a capacity of about 20 and LEED India Platinum by Indian Green Building
kWp. This multifunctional installation permits to pro- Council (IGBC) rating. The building has a solar PV sys-
tect buildings from overheating during the summer tem of 930 kW installed in a 6,000 m2 area. The total
and direct solar radiation and, at the same time, it PV area is 4,650 m2 by 2,844 solar panels which gener-
produces renewable electricity for a total of about ate 14.3 lakh unit annually which meets the building’s
17,000 kWh per year. In addition, it helps in avoiding energy demand. PV panels are covered in the building
1.3 tonnes of CO2 per year. The system is south orient- top, courtyard, and edges which effectively creates
20 ed and mounted on a stainless-steel structure to max- shade and cooler microclimate in the building [22]. 21
imise the energy production. The reduction of the
building overheating due to the sunlight helped to In 2015, Tata Power Solar successfully commissioned
reduce the cooling energy demand and increase the the RSSB-Educational & Environmental Society (RSSB-
comfort for the users. EES) solar rooftop installation at Radha Soami Satsang
The concept of Green Buildings or Net-Zero Energy Beas in Amritsar (Fig. 1.12). It was initially a 12 MW Fig. 1.12 RSSB-EES in Beas. Source: L&T Construction.
Buildings (NZEBs) is prevailing across the world for solar rooftop installed across 8 sheltered venues in a
almost two decades, yet it has not been fully estab- single premise. The project was claimed to be the
lished or penetrated in the Indian context. Nowadays, world’s largest solar rooftop project, set up in a single plant (total of 19.5 MW installation in the whole com- modules adopted represent a standardised design
State and Central governments, policy makers, archi- phase, and extended to 16 MW later. This rooftop plex) at the site cumulatively offset over 19,000 tonnes intended to be easy to integrate with many common
tects, and builders are pushing for integration of energy power plant will produce more than 15,000 MWh of carbon emissions every year. Multi-crystalline mod- building materials.
efficiency and renewable energy production at the units of electricity annually, and the whole solar power ules were used in the project to achieve high perfor-
mance and low degradation for a sustained 25-years This strategy, common in Europe during the first/sec-
energy generation. The system is provided with a cen- ond decade of the 2000, is a consequence of partner-
Fig. 1.11 Indira Parvavaran Bgawan. Source: Rehau. tral supervisor control and data acquisition (SCADA) ships among PV manufacturers, architects, and build-
system, enabling real-time solar power plant monitor- ing-materials’ suppliers, and approached to address
ing. A synchronised module cleaning system, improving barriers and bring new cost-competitive products and
the cumulative performance of the entire block, has solutions on the market. A detailed specific analysis of
also been implemented. To have a negligible downtime this installation is conducted and reported in the case
due to components failure or malfunction, the neces- study section at the end of the booklet.
sary spares are managed by using hub & spoke model
(refers to distribution/management from a centralised A contemporary and aesthetically pleasant exemplar
hub), maintaining the availability at all times. The for simple and effective building rooftop integration of
grid-connected system, equipped with net metering, PV is the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School located at
can feed surplus electricity to the grid under the Punjab the Thar Desert of Rajasthan (Fig 1.14, next page). The
government’s grid-connected rooftop solar projects building was designed as elliptical for practical purpos-
scheme. es and aligned with the Indian building construction
culture. Herein, the PV panels serve the purposes of
In India, the largest BIPV facade, has been realised in energy generation. In addition, the solar canopy offers
2020 (Fig. 1.13, next page). The U-Solar CtrlS Data shade and filters the sand from the desert. The stairs
Center in Mumbai is an administrative building on and the ramp serve as a play area for children hidden
which 863 kWp of monocrystalline modules were by a large jali (perforated stone or latticed screen, usu-
installed by integrating solar panels in all four walls of ally with an ornamental pattern constructed through
the facility, covering over 51,500 square feet of facade the use of calligraphy, geometry or natural patterns)
area. More than 2,000 high-efficiency PV modules under the solar canopy. Being placed as a single row
were used to cover the building skin of the construc- with the inward curve and directed to south with a
tion. The monitored energy production of the Data larger inclination angle, the PV system is well integrat-
Center is about 0.6 GWh per year. In this case, the solar ed with the building design and purposes
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Fig. 1.13 CTRLS Data Center, Mumbai. Source: U-Solar. www.topsunenergy.com Credits: Aurial Solar and Greentech
Fig. 1.14 Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School, Rajasthan. Source: vinay_panjwani.

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The NASPAD marked the The JNNSM revolutionises solar Rooftop Phase II

2017
beginning of PV activities energy as the way forward to attain integration of 40 GW
in India energy security and mitigate the of rooftop PV
issue of increasing GHG emissions. installations by 2022
The program set the foot for rapid 60 kWp installed as canopy

2020
photovoltaic implementation in
India.

1983 Cost efficient BIPV curtain

2015
wall
24 CEL achieved a 25
module capacity
of 31.75 kW Rooftop phase-I programme was
launched on December 2015,
which landmark the beginning of
the BIPV/BAPV sector in India

Institute of Maritime
Studies Festo building
Credits: Ramprasad Akkisetti & Deepak Kaw Credits: Aseem Kumar Sharma CTRLS Data Center
Credits: U-Solar

2007 2011 RSSB-EES

Credits: L&T Construction
2020 R.R. Girls School
Credits: vinay_panjwani
The first BIPV building A BIPV shading system
in India Tata consulting (Noida, India) The largest BIPV
engineers power plant in India
Credits: Amit Basuri (863 kWp capacity)

2015 2020
The largest solar rooftop plant Photovoltaic solar canopy

2009
in the world (Beas, India)

BIPV facade in
Jamshedpur, India

Fig. 1.15 Indian BIPV Timeline. Source: SUPSI.

 1.3 Financial schemes in solar buildings in India statutory body in India functioning to regulate the promoted by GoI in the second phase of JNNSM. By this
generation, transmission, and distribution in the programme, it is targeted a cumulative capacity of 40
country. GW Rooftop Solar (RTS) installations by 2022. As
The State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC), is reported by DISCOMs, an overall of 3.7 GW capacity of
involved in the rationalization of electricity tariffs, poli- grid connected rooftop solar plants has been installed
Power Sector in India: Institute of Bio-Energy (SSS-NIBE), (4) Indian Renewa- cies, subsidies, inter-state transmission and trade etc. in the country by December 2020, and was extended
The Indian power sector is highly organized with func- ble Energy Development Agency (IREDA), (5) Solar In the electricity generation sector, both public and to 6.1 till November 2021 [12] [25]. As of now, the
tionally distinct organizations, departments and asso- Energy Corporation of India (SECI). NISE is the apex private involvement (including Central and Sate Gener- Solar Rooftop Scheme remains the only programme
ciations for the generation of electricity, its distribution R&D institute for solar energy, which is also involved in ation Companies, Independent Power Producers (IPPs) promoting solar PV in the building sector, and discus-
and operation. The key stakeholders of the India power solar component testing and certification. IREDA is a and Captive Power Plants (CPPs)) equally contributes sions are based on the programme.
sector are shown in Fig. 1.16, framed with the involve- non-banking financial institution engaged in develop- to India's energy sector [24]. Considering the electricity
ment of both Central and State Governments with ment and extension financial assistance for new and transmission in India, the Power Grid Corporation of Main RTS program actors
other private participants at different levels for efficient renewable energy projects. SECI is a Central Public India Limited (PGCIL) is the Central Transmission Utility Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)
functioning. Ministry of Power, which oversees the Sector Undertaking (CPSU), formed to facilitate the (CTU) and is held responsible for most inter-state SECI is a CPSU under the administrative control of
entire energy sector and the Ministry of New and implementation of Jawaharlal Nehru and National transmission projects. State Transmission Utility (STU) MNRE, set up to facilitate the implementation of solar
Renewable Energy (MNRE), is concerned with the cen- Solar Mission (JNNSM) activities. Apart from the minis- and Independent Private Transmission Companies plants under the JNNSM. SECI plans of the targets of
26 tral level policy making. Individual energy departments tries, the Central Electricity Authority of India (CEA), a (IPTCs) set up other transmission projects within the RTS installations in the country and decides on the 27
are also concerned with the policy making at the state statutory organization, advises the government on states. For monitoring and ensuring hassle-free opera- allotted capacity following the competitive bidding
level for the states & UTs. MNRE and its state nodal policy matters and formulates plans for the energy tion of the electricity sector, companies like Power process.
agencies are associated with the country’s whole sector in India. CEA is also responsible for statistical System Operation Corporation (POSOCO) and Nation-
renewable energy sector, its promotion, international data publishing of the Indian power sector for both al, Regional and State Dispatch Centres (NLDC, RLDC, State Nodal Agencies (SNAs)
corporation, R&D activities, etc. MNRE also embodies state and central government utilities. Along with SLDC) work in conjunction to ensure grid security and Under MNRE, SNAs have been established in the states
five technical institutions in India: (1) National Institute MNRE, CEA compiles the statistics on electricity capac- balance. Considering the energy distribution sector, and UTs for the promotion, coordination, finance and
of Solar Energy (NISE), (2) National Institute of Wind ity addition, generation, trade and forecasts. The Cen- mostly state-owned companies conduct distribution development of renewable energy projects in their
Energy (NIWE), (3) Sardar Swaran Singh National tral Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) is a and retail operations. Some private companies are also state/UT. For the RTS program, the SNAs prepare tar-
involved in Indian electricity distribution at different gets as sanctioned by MNRE and select channel part-
states. In addition to this, inter-state and other energy ners/installers through tendering with the rate con-
Fig. 1.16 Organisational chart for the power sector in India. Source: [23]. trading companies, power exchanges, and distribution tracts. SNA are also involved with the monitoring and
companies (DISCOM) set the balance for demand and inspection of the RTS installations.
supply. As represented in Fig. 1.16; this whole ecosys-
Trading Policy tem makes the energy sector in India, created for the Distribution Company (DISCOM)
cos Mi smooth functioning of the power sector at both Various public and private DISCOMs are concerned
d e nis
Tra try national and state levels. with the interpretation and implementation of the
te of
sta Po
er- n ges MN
we policies and regulations provided by both the Central
Int excha RE
r
er Rooftop Solar Program & Policies in India Government and Governments of individual states. The
P ow Po
we India launched JNNSM on 11th January 2010, which is overall technical feasibility study, evaluation of design
co ms rD
Dis s
of
sta
ept
. the key solar program developed in India until now. and installation parameters for grid connected RTS
eco te
The program was developed in accordance with India's system, installing metering arrangements have been
Distribution
Tra
d UT / Regulation
ate

National Action Plan on Climate Change to promote carried out by the DISCOMs.
ms

os

CERC
& Priv
Disco

joint
SERC
ms,

the concept of ecological sustainable growth and

Trade

hi
Franc
Disco

addressing the issue of energy security in India with the Chief Electrical Inspector to Government
sees

ERC
State

&

diffusion of solar technology across the country. The The Chief Electrical Inspector (CEIG) ensures safety
mission targeted 100 GW of grid connected solar compliance and operations of RTS system. They involve
e
at
SL

os

energy capacity by 2022, and installed a total capacity in the approval of design and drawings, the pre-com-
St

State
DC

nc

s
Ge

PP

Transco, of 49.3 GW grid connected solar installations as of missioning inspection and issuing of Charging
s
(N

o
,C
PO 5 R

nc

December 2021. In order to achieve the above target, Certificate.

LD

Ps

IPTCs
Ge
SO

IP
+

al

STATE LEVEL the Government of India (GoI) has launched various

CO C)

Ps
r
nt

IP

schemes like Solar Park Scheme, VGF Schemes, CPSU Channel Partners
LD

Ce

System Operation Generation

PGCIL Scheme, Defence Scheme, Canal bank & Canal top Channel Partners are the agencies associated with the
IPTCs Scheme, Bundling Scheme, etc. to encourage the solar sourcing of equipment/ solar components, or the
CENTRAL LEVEL power sector of the country. Considering the fact that implementation of RTS system for the clients, being
integration of PV in the building sector provides a huge empanelled by MNRE. The Channel Partners could
Transmission potential to tap for the Indian energy sector, the Grid include the solar Renewable Energy Service Companies
Connected Solar Rooftop Scheme has been greatly (RESCO), vendors/ suppliers of solar equipment,
 project developers, manufacturer of solar components/ 1. Financial relaxations and benchmark cost System < 1 kWp 1-2 kWp 2-3 kWp 3-10 kWp 10-100 kWp 100-500 kWp
equipment, solar ambassadors etc. The empanelment For residential buildings capacity
with MNRE is based on certificate from a rating agency Under Phase II of Grid Connected Rooftop Solar, the range
in the country for technical and financial strength. CFA has been approved for the beneficiaries until 31st
SNAs and DISCOMs have to undertake competitive December 2022. Under the scheme, only domestic Benchmark 46,932 43,140 42,020 40,991 38,236 35,886
bidding for selection of developers for RTS plants with manufactured modules and solar cells have to be used cost (Rs/kW)
the claim for Central Financial Assistance (CFA)/ subsi- and the CFA shall be on percentage of benchmark cost
dy. The channel partners submit the proposal to the of MNRE for the state/ UT or lowest of the costs dis- Benchmark 554 509 496 484 451 424
clients (rooftop owners), sign the EPC/Power Purchase covered in the tenders for that state/ UT in that year, cost (2021 €/
Agreement (PPA) agreement with clients and submits whichever is lower. For the residential sector, the CFA kW)
for the metering arrangement (to DISCOM) and subsi- is 40% for capacity up to 3 kWp, 20% for capacity
dy (to SNA). beyond 3 kWp and up to 10 kWp, and 20% for Group Tab. 1.1 Benchmark costs for grid-connected rooftop installation under Phase II for the financial year 2020-21 for gen-
Housing Society (GHS) / Residential Welfare Associa- eral category states/UTs (currency conversion 17/01/2022). Source: MNRE.
Financial Institutions/Banks tion (RWA) capacity up to 500 kWp (limited to 10 kWp
The financial Institutions and financial Integrators like per house). The scheme is to be implemented through
NABARD, National Housing Banks, other Banks, IREDA, Power Distributing companies (DISCOMs), and for the System < 1 kWp 1-2 kWp 2-3 kWp 3-10 kWp 10-100 kWp 100-500 kWp
28 etc. are also eligible for implementing the RTS program. residential consumer the CFA can be availed by oper- capacity 29
They may source funds from MNRE, their own resourc- ating through the DISCOMs [30]. The benchmark costs range
es or any other sources i.e., carbon credits, National for Grid-connected Rooftop Installation under Phase II
Clean Energy Fund, funds from States, beneficiary con- for the financial year 2020-21, decided by MNRE as Benchmark 51,616 47,447 46,216 45,087 42,056 39,467
tribution, CSR sources etc. Other Govt. Departments/ presented in the Tab. 1.1 and Tab. 1.2. Cost are cost (Rs/kW)
Agencies i.e., Railways, Defense/ Para Military Forces, referred to turnkey PV plants (including installation and
Local Government Bodies including Municipal Corpo- put in operation) for conventional PV plants (e.g. BAPV Benchmark 609 560 545 532 496 466
rations/ Municipalities, State Departments, etc. inter- on-roof systems). The benchmark cost includes the cost (2021 €/
ested in directly implementing the program are also cost of PV panels, inverter, balance of system (cable, kW)
encouraged [26] [27] [28] [29]. switches/ circuit breaker/ connectors/ junction box,
mounting structure), earthing, lightning arrester, Com- Tab. 1.2 Benchmark costs for grid-connected rooftop installation under Phase II for the financial year 2020-21 for spe-
Boundary conditions for PV in relation to building prehensive Maintenance Contract (CMC) for 5 years, cial category states/UTs: North eastern states like Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Lada-
typologies (based on RTS scheme) transportation, insurance, applicable taxes, etc. The kh, Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands (currency conversion 17/01/2022). Source: MNRE.
This section presents an overview of the different cost for metering and battery backup are not included
boundary conditions for the present state of solar PV [31] [32] [33].
adoption in Indian buildings. Financial relaxations for 2. Billing mechanism and RTS considerations regulator. The model is particularly aimed at rooftop
the different building typologies (residential, commer- For other buildings The type of metering greatly influences the growth of owners/third party investors who would like to sell
cial and industrial) according to the benchmark cost In the Phase II of RTS scheme, institutional, education- the PV sector, as it directly affects both the consumer energy to the DISCOM.
provided under the RTS scheme establish the invest- al, social, government, commercial and industrial sec- economy and the energy sector. The types of metering
ment of solar installations in building. The cost of elec- tors are excluded from availing CFAs, as the beneficiar- are detailed below. According to the latest amendment by the Ministry of
tricity and the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) lays ies of these sectors are advantaged without CFA, since Power, every consumer can avail net metering system
the foundations for an accurate cost analysis for solar they are mostly high tariff paying consumers. However, Net Metering for RTS installation below 500 kWp [36]. Further, any
installations. The analysis of electricity costs, the for the penetration of solar systems in these sectors for In net metering systems, a bi-directional meter is used state government can extend the limit according to
benchmark cost and financial relaxations will help to the implementation of 40 GW rooftop solar installation to measure the difference in energy consumption from their regulations for any solar installations. The net
understand the framework and the strategies adopted target, acceleration depreciation (AD) benefits and the grid and energy export to the grid. Consumers are metering regulations for commercial and industrial
for the RTS consumers in the country. The electricity Viability Gap Funding (VGF) is provided by the GoI provided with the opportunity to offset their electricity buildings, the electricity retail tariff, feed-in-tariff for
costs within the different building typologies, the under JNNSM Scheme [34] [35]. bills accordingly. Surplus injection compensation may gross metering and the surplus injection compensation
metering methods and available business model form or may not be provided (depends on state regulations) for consumers who supply excess energy to the grid (in
the basis of attractiveness of RTS scheme in India. The For the DISCOMs for the excess energy supplied to the grid. the case of net metering) for the different building
different boundary conditions of Indian RTS scheme For DISCOMs progressive incentives provided by the typologies are determined by the state commissions
are discussed below. government are based on achievement levels, calculat- Gross Metering and the DISCOMs. These state regulations greatly
ed above baseline, i.e. the cumulative rooftop capacity In gross metering or feed-in metering, all the energy determine state's friendliness for the RTS scheme and
achieved at the end of previous financial year. For generated from the system is exported to the grid and other solar PV integration in residential, commercial
capacity addition up to 10%, there is no incentive. For is separately recorded through a different 'feed-in and industrial buildings [37].
10%-15% capacity addition there is 5% incentive, and meter'. In this case, the third-party investors/RESCO
for above 15% capacity addition 10% incentive is pro- developers enter into a long-term PPA with the utility.
vided. The incentives are limited to the initial 18 GW The developer exports the solar energy to the utility at
capacity [30]. a predetermined feed-in-tariff (FiT) approved by the
 Appropriate business is always necessary to have a include the cost to set up, maintain and operate the CAPEX (Solar System Leasing)
satisfactory revenue model for the stakeholders under system. The power is either consumed or injected to
consideration. In particular, it permits to the investor to the grid with a Feed-in-Tariff (gross metering) or net Repayment Solar System on Lease
understand the value of the investment in solar instal- metering, as shown in Fig. 1.17. CAPEX models are Financial Rooftop
lations and to optimize the strategies of investment in well suited for consumers that can bring the invest- Institution Loan RESCO Revenue from Owner
solar systems. CAPEX model is considered as the ment upfront, and has a stake on the building. Lease
first-generation model, which is a consumer self- In RESCO model, third party (RESCO) involves in financ-
owned model. RESCO model is the second-generation ing and development of solar rooftop systems. Third
business model revolved around third party ownership party may rent rooftop space from rooftop owner and

Reduction in
Investment

Bill Savings
and operation. Currently, these two models are majorly sell the electricity generated to the grid or the rooftop
prevailing in India for PV building installations, the pol- owner through a PPA, or may also lease out the PV
icies for each are according to DISCOMS and state system to the rooftop owner who may utilize the pow-
government regulations. The third-generation, utility er from the system. For consumers who does not have a
ownership driven model is considered as a future scope stake on the building, such as government building, RTS Electricity Electricity
in global solar energy sector, but it is only emerging in public educational institutions, leased building, etc., or System Grid
Indian solar rooftop/ solar building scenario. Within consumers who cannot bring the investment upfront,
30 these paragraphs, the two most popular business the RESCO operation models are best suited. The possi- 31
models in India for grid connected solar rooftops are ble models upon different agreements are described Fig. 1.18 Financial schema: CAPEX solar system leasing. Source: NIIST.
elaborated. For other BIPV systems, CAPEX models are and represented in Fig. 1.18 and Fig. 1.19.
considered unchallenging, because of the ownership
provision; other dedicated business models are neces- Solar system leasing Rooftop Leasing (Under Gross Metering) PPA (Under net metering)
sary for the sector in future. CAPEX model is the most In this, third party investor leases the PV system to In this third party leases the rooftop and pays lease/ In this, the third party invests in the solar system, and
common business model for rooftop solar deployment rooftop owner who makes payments as per the agree- rent to the building owner in the lease period. The sells the generated power to the rooftop owner in with
in India. In this model, the consumer (rooftop owner) ment for the consumption of the electricity generated. RESCO developer exports the generated power to the a lower solar power tariff compared to the grid tariff
owns the system (expenses include the installation The third-party investor earns month-to-month lease utility at a predetermined FiT approved by the and the export of excess power through net metering
cost, O&M cost), by upfront payment or with other payment. The savings from the generated electricity is regulator. makes savings for the rooftop owner.
financial aid, often through a bank. These expenses the source of revenue for the rooftop owner.

Fig. 1.17 Financial schema: CAPEX net and gross metering. Source: NIIST. Fig. 1.19 Financial schema: RESCO net and gross metering. Source: NIIST.

CAPEX - Net Metering CAPEX - Gross Metering RESCO (through PPA) - Net Metering RESCO (Solar System Leasing) - Gross Metering

Financial Financial
Institution Institution

Repayment

Repayment
Repayment

Repayment

Loan
Loan

Investment Investment Income through Rent for Roof

RTS RTS Rooftop PPA Rooftop
System Electricity Rooftop System Owner RESCO Owner
Roof on Lease
Owner En
e
M rgy
ee Im In
Ex tD p co
po em ort t m
Energy Import to

et
Income through

an to en
Meet Demand

rt hr
tm

Roof Space
of y d ou
Electricity
E xc cit ve
s In gh
es tri In
ve
FiT

ec st Fi
sE El m T
ne en
rg t
y

Export of
Electricity RTS Electricity RTS
Excess Energy Electricity
Grid System Grid System
 3. State-wise attractiveness of RTS scheme determination of average electricity cost does not
Indian PV scenario has not achieved uniformity regard- clearly indicate the overall scenario and unevenness of
ing the attractiveness of solar programmes, especially electricity cost in India, which changes with the elec-
RTS installations. Many state-wise physical, technical, tricity policies adopted by different state governments
political, social, institutional, and economic factors such and DISCOMs. As for example, the electricity cost in
as solar policies, incentives, metering regulations and residential sector varies from 0.85 INR/kWh in Tamil
rooftop availability, electricity tariffs, distribution infra- Nadu to 7.38 INR/kWh in Rajasthan up to 100 kWh
structure differ the sector in each state. An ambiguous slab, and the maximum rate of 13.4 INR/kWh can be
situation is thus prevailing for the stakeholders associ- seen in Maharashtra for up to 1000 units’ slab. CEA has
ated with the solar sector in India, especially for the published the electricity tariff across India for the dif-
renewable energy companies, entrepreneurs, develop- ferent building sectors [39].
ers, financial institutions, as well as government in The price of electricity influences the economic pay-
policy making. Thus, it is critical to have a platform at back of solar systems. The revenues, which consist in
national level for the evaluation of states’ support level savings on the yearly electricity bill, are also associated
for the RTS programme. to the self-consumed electricity. For each kWh that is
Considering this, State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness self-consumed, a saving up to the amount of the com-
32 Index (SARAL ranking) has been designed by MNRE in pensable retail electricity price can be made in the case 33
collaboration with Shakti Sustainable Energy Founda- of net metering arrangement. In this sense, consumers
tion (SSEF), Associated Chambers of Commerce and (rooftop owners) have a better payback rate for states Fig. 1.20 Global Distribution of RTS technical potential and LCOE values. Source: [41].
Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and Ernst & Young (EY) having higher electricity cost. However, the revenues
for ranking the overall attractiveness of RTS pro- coming from building integrated solar systems includes
gramme in different Indian states with a dedicated the excess electricity that is fed-back to the grid and
evaluation method. The aspects considered for the also from the multifunctionality of any Building Inte-
evaluation are: grated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems that can be consid-
• Comprehensiveness/robustness of policy frame- ered as a replaceable element for conventional con-
work (Level of policy support, Covenants, Billing struction materials and power generators [40].
mechanism) LCOE can be considered as the best measure of an
• Ease of implementation/effectiveness of policy electricity generating system in an economic perspec-
support (Ease of application, Power offtake tive. It denotes the average net present cost (including
attractiveness, State of affairs of DISCOMs, Impact the fixed and variable cost) of generating electricity
of Policy) from a system in its lifetime to break even. Lower the
• Investment climate for the rooftop solar sector LCOE value denotes better economics from the con-
(Driver for rooftop solar uptake, Ease of financing, sumer point of view.
Maturity of market) A recent study conducted by Siddharth Joshi et.al., for
• Consumer experience (Pre-installation considera- evaluating the potential of rooftop solar PV installa-
tion, During installation, post-installation experi- tions across the globe (with building footprints, solar
ence/costs) radiation mapping with seasonal variability, and tech-
• Business ecosystem (Business Enablers, Fiscal and nology-specific information like panel size, conversion
Regulatory environment, Economic outlook) efficiency, and system losses) showed the potential
The detailed evaluation mechanism is explained in competency of Indian conditions. The study concluded
SARAL reports. According to the 2018-19 report Kara- that, India is one of the countries with least LCOE value
nataka, Telangana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh scored the of 66 $/MWh for attaining the country-specific poten-
first four positions in the ranking [38]. tial of 1,815 TWh/yr. The global map generated in the
study for the assessed LCOE value is shown in Fig.
4. Electricity cost & Levelized Cost Of Electricity 1.20.
The electricity cost in India is calculated under con-
sumption slab basis, i.e., the final cost is determined by
the range of total energy consumption. The average
electricity cost for residential building in India is around
4.2 INR/kWh to 6.7 INR/kWh, which varies according
to the state, the DISCOM, and the amount of unit (in
kWh) consumed. For commercial buildings, it is coming
around 7.5 INR/kWh to 8.6 INR/kWh, and for indus-
tries it is around 6.6 INR/kWh to 7.6 INR/kWh. The
 2.1 Green building revolution and role of BIPV

The real estate sector in India is the second-highest industries, cities and other habitats with individual rat-
employment generator in India after the agriculture ings (with the involvement of key stakeholders includ-
sector. In the coming years, rapid growth in the con- ing architects, builders, consultants, developers, own-
struction market and the adoption of state-of-the-art ers, institutions, manufacturers and industry
construction technologies are expected in India. More representatives), certification, training programs and
specifically, by 2024, the real estate market will grow green energy building conferences.
to about 9 US$ billion, with a high Compound Annual Also, MNRE has been widely promoting programmes
Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.5% from 2017-2028 is and regulations for energy efficiency in the building
expected [1]. The current housing shortage in India’s environment to advocate the concept of self-suste-
urban areas is estimated to be about 10 million units; nance, both in resources and energy, in the country.
thus an additional 25 million units of affordable hous- The national rating system GRIHA was developed by
34 ing are required by 2030 to meet the demand of grow- The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and 35
ing urban population [2]. endorsed by the ministry in 2007 with modifications as
Worldwide, buildings account for nearly 39% of annual suggested by a panel of architects, builders, renewable
CO2 emissions, among this 28% is related to building energy and sustainability experts. GRIHA has been
operations and 11% to building materials and con- developed to rate commercial, institutional and resi-
struction [3]. The high energetic footprint of the con- dential buildings in India emphasising national envi-
struction sector emphasises the need for introducing ronmental concerns, regional climatic conditions

Chapter 2
strategies to reduce the energy impact on buildings. To (building design considerations are done based on the
address these issues, the World Green Building Council six climatic zones, according to a study conducted by
has launched ‘Advancing Net Zero’ worldwide to pro- IIT Delhi, and adopted by MNRE), and indigenous solu-

Solar constructions mote and accelerate the growth of net-zero carbon

buildings to 100% by 2050. According to the World
Green Building Trends 2021 report by Dodge Data and
tions. It is a more holistic and life-cycle approach (from
site selection to planning, construction and demolition)
with an objective to reduce resource consumption,
Analytics, India is expected to raise the green building reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the use
sector from 12% in 2021 to 25% by 2025 (survey con- of renewable and recycled resources in buildings to
ducted within respondents having more than 60% rate the “greenness” of a building. It integrates all rele-
green projects) [4]. However, according to the report, vant Indian building codes (National Building Code
the Indian green building sector is driven mainly by the 2005; the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)
country’s environmental regulations rather than the 2007 announced by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE),
market or public awareness. The lack of trained/edu- and other Indian Standards [5].
cated green building professionals and unaffordability GRIHA has a 5-star rating system, evaluated with a set
in every building sector constitute the major hindranc- of criteria included for aspects of design, construction
es in the Indian green building sector. Currently, the and operation of a green building. The pre-assigned
market of green buildings in India has been concen- points for each criterion are calculated with bench-
trated in new commercial, institutional and large resi- mark performance goals and added up to obtain the
dential spaces. star rating. GRIHA rating is applicable for all newly
Different green building rating systems have been constructing habitable building typologies (Residential,
introduced worldwide to promote net-zero building Healthcare, Hospitality, Institution, Office, Retail, Tran-
strategies with certificates, incentives and financial sit Terminals, etc.) with a minimum built-up area of
assistance. Three rating systems are predominantly 2,500 m2. Other GRIHA ratings are adopted for less
existing in India: 1) Globally framed Leadership in Ener- built-up area buildings (Simple Versatile Affordable
gy and Environmental Design (LEED), 2) rating system GRIHA), existing buildings, existing schools, large
of Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), and 3) Green developments, etc. According to the rating directives of
Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) of GRIHA [6] around 42% of point share is dedicated to
MNRE. The IGBC was formed in 2001 under the Con- Energy Optimisation (18%), Occupant Comfort (12%)
federation of Indian Industry (CII), which was one of and Sustainable Building Materials categories (12%).
the initial revolutionary course. Through the years IGBC Thus, the GRIHA rating can be considered as a techni-
promoted green revolution ranging from buildings, cal tool for green building development in India. Even
 though renewable energy utilization constitutes 5% of Other possibilities of BIPV interventions in the GRIHA 2.2 Building Integrated Photovoltaic systems
it, BIPV integration has enumerate possibilities and rating system includes the sections of Life Cycle Cost-
advantages in the mentioned categories, other than ing, Socio-Economic Strategies, and Performance
energy generation, such as: Metering and Monitoring. The various sections of GRI-
• Passive solar construction techniques including HA rating and potential areas for BIPV interventions
material, architectural design and product design are briefed in Fig. 2.1. If the necessity to improve the energetic performance A definition of BIPV
interventions through BIPV products of buildings induces the stakeholders of the construc- IEC 63092-1:2020 [10] specifies BIPV module require-
• Energy savings through PV integrated daylighting tion sector to use solar systems, the rapidly growing ments and applies to photovoltaic modules used as
systems construction market in India requires introducing new building products. It focuses on the properties of these
• Energy conservation through thermally insulated ideas and technologies. The installation of solar sys- photovoltaic modules relevant to basic building
BIPV roof and facade tems as building envelopes not only permits to trans- requirements and the applicable electro-technical
• BIPV products that can offer both visual, thermal form buildings into solar power plants but also to requirements. This document addresses requirements
and acoustic comfort as per Indian standards integrate multifunctional properties of the construc- on the BIPV modules in the specific ways they are
• Utilisation of alternative materials in building tion system, replacement of building cladding materials intended to be mounted but not the mounting struc-
using BIPV, prefabrication and modular construc- and improving aesthetics considering the architectural ture itself, which is within the scope of IEC 63092-2.
tion: Offsite construction of building components image. The integration of solar energy systems in the This document is based on EN 50583-1 [11]. The basic
36 and its onsite assembly is an upcoming approach buildings is well recognised with the acronym BIPV requirements for construction works are: 37
for green building construction. Prefabricated (Building Integrated Photovoltaic) as defined within • Mechanical resistance and stability
structural construction and modular assembly can the solar community. For example, now the BIPV • Safety in the case of fire
be greatly congruent with BIPV elements such as products are available in different colours and sizes [7]. • Hygiene, health and the environment
building skin as façades, glazing, external roofing, The reported market overview for state-of-the-art • Safety and accessibility in use
etc. It greatly reduces the material consumption coloured BIPV products clearly reveals that, for all parts • Protection against noise
of conventional building construction, reduces its of a BIPV module, there are technical solutions availa- • Energy economy and heat retention
wastage, induce safer working conditions, reduc- ble for colouring and customisation. Pilot projects uti- • Sustainable use of natural resources
es the time of construction, and can provide bet- lising coloured BIPV products have been built in As already mentioned, the BIPV module is a prerequi-
ter energy and comfort performance in line with numerous (mainly European) cities, clearly demon- site for the integrity of the building’s functionality. If the
the BIPV product specifications, expanding provi- strating the maturity of these solutions. Besides the integrated PV module is dismounted (in the case of
sion for higher GRIHA rating. colour perception of the BIPV elements under solar structurally bonded modules, dismounting includes the
irradiation, which is essential for the acceptance of the adjacent construction product), the PV module would
Fig. 2.1 Pie chart representing different shares for GRIHA rating in percentage and potential share for BIPV interven- exterior appearance of a building, also the transparen- have to be replaced by an appropriate construction
tions. Source: [2]. cy and inside visual comfort of BIPV sells itself as essen- product. Inherent electro-technical properties of PV
tial window and façade elements for the users [8]. alone do not qualify PV modules as to be
Since the building envelope normally cannot be pro- building-integrated.
* duced in one piece, it is necessary to break it down into Referring to the above-mentioned references, a defini-
individual parts. For many years, the BIPV community tion of a BIPV module is exposed [12]:
did not reach a consensus about a reference categori-
sation of BIPV applications in the building skin. In this A BIPV module is a PV module and a construction product
12 18
chapter, the definition of BIPV is provided on the basis together, designed to be a component of the building. A BIPV
of the specifics promoted by the IEA PVPS Task 15 [9]. product is the smallest (electrically and mechanically)
6 The categorisation is based on three levels that include non-divisible photovoltaic unit in a BIPV system that retains
the i) application category, ii) system, and iii) cladding building-related functionality. If the BIPV product is dis-
4
properties. mounted, it would have to be replaced by an appropriate
12
Energy Optimisation (18%) construction product.
Sustainable Building Materials (12%)
16 Socio-Economic Strategies (8%) A BIPV system is a photovoltaic system in which the PV
Water Management (16%) modules satisfy the definition above for BIPV products. It
12
Solid Waste Management (6%) includes the electrical components needed to connect the PV
7
5
Occupant Comfort (12%) modules to external AC or DC circuits and the mechanical
8 Life Cycle Costing (5%) mounting systems needed to integrate the BIPV products
Performance Metering & Monitoring (7%) into the building.
Construction Management (4%)
Sustainable Site Planning (12%)
*Possibility of BIPV intervention
 amended building bye-laws have been passed by the innovative schemes for BIPV/ BAPV interventions. individuals have access to the space. The model is institution. The model eliminates the ambiguity
Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) and the intro- However, rather than focusing completely on energy driven by DISCOMs, which aggregates both the for the consumers, as they don’t need to be
duction of concepts of “Smart City” [2] and “Solar City” regulations and government financial assistance, new supply and demand sides. DISCOM aggregates involved in the BIPV project directly or create a
[3] has been made by the government, yet the devel- business models could be evolved that caters for the the building skin owners in its locale and identifies long term agreement with DISCOM, but need to
opments focussed only on RTS installations in buildings. financial concerns of both the building owners for large developers for the installation through competi- have only a one-stop contact with the DISCOMs
However, exclusive BIPV policies connecting compre- scale deployments and the DISCOMs. Utility-driven tive bidding. Developers conduct the feasibility directly.
hensive decentralised distributed renewable energy, models can be adopted as one of the trade-off studies, project installation and own the system.
building energy conservation, individual building and approaches for the concerns. Central and state gov- Rooftop/facade owners are benefited either from (2) Opportunities: Practical tips for cost reduction
city infrastructural planning, BIPV analysis, extended ernments could implement different adoptable busi- monthly rent for their building space or a credit on Multifunctionality as key for faster BIPV penetration
energy policies like for electric vehicles (EVs), etc., are ness model-based regulations, financial relaxations their electricity bill with metering and solar sub- The multifunctionality of BIPV products could bring
essential. Regulations should also support solar invest- and policies within communities, or locations, or states scription. DISCOM signs PPA with the developers some advantages if compared with conventional
ment within a community or nearby locales for BIPV for BIPV. These location-based implementation strate- for the period of the system's lifetime building envelope solutions and non-integrated PV
specific building projects leading to the creation of gies could be adopted with proper consumer evalua- • Utility driven community model: Utility driven systems together, especially in terms of better aesthet-
green energy communities. tion, technical assessment, and feasibility studies. community model is one of the straightforward ic integration, cost-effectiveness, technological perfor-
approaches that can enable faster implementa- mance, environmental and social impact, etc. [6]. In
Regulations for stakeholder harmonization in solar and con- Business model revision for BIPV [4] [5] tion of BIPV in a community, where DISCOM will recent years, all these advantages have aroused a
50 struction sectors The following factors majorly hinder the implementa- lead the project and aggregate the consumers. growing worldwide interest in BIPV products and 51
A balanced environment between the stakeholders is tion and expansion of existing business models for Herein, consumers who do not own a BIPV feasi- dynamic market trend for the replacement of less
essential in the coming decades of solar avalanche, BIPV in India ble building space can also access solar electricity offering conventional building materials/ construction
especially for solar power acquirement from buildings. 1. Existing net metering billing system can lead to by sharing space of a common building like high (Fig. 3.1). However, one of the main challenges and
With the better performance of the country in solar substantial financial concerns for DISCOMs rise multi-unit buildings or from a public or pri- needs of the market is to improve the energy perfor-
energy sector, India may need to shift the policies and 2. Lack of technological and financial awareness vately owned building spaces elsewhere. It also mance of the facade to produce renewable electricity
regulations to favour both building owners and Distri- among the building owners and project develop- allows sharing the most favourable building sur- or solar thermal energy. Numerous studies and pro-
bution Companies (DISCOMs). Even though the cur- ers leading to scepticism among the owners faces with higher solar potential independently by jects demonstrate that PV is the most straightforward
rent scenario with the RTS programme of JNNSM regarding the implementation and financial single owners and local public/ private owner- technology to integrate into façades, suitable for
Phase II favours building owners, especially of the resi- benefits ships. The consumer can access the electricity by meeting the net goal of zero energy buildings. While
dential sector, by CFA allowance and increased cap of 3. Inability of consumers to invest upfront costs for paying the system installation cost upfront or by incorporated into the building envelope, photovoltaic
net-metering limits, there is a need to accommodate the BIPV system paying a regular subscription fee. The model will solar cells can reduce their energy performance levels
DISCOMs in the future. The charges compensated/ 4. Uneven implementation feasibility (due to factors be very advantageous for tenants living in a mul- not only due to suboptimal working conditions (such
paid under the RTS scheme, which follows net-meter- like shading, building typology, building orienta- ti-storey building, and also suits for solar electrici- as higher temperatures) but also suboptimal orienta-
ing, aroused a considerable revenue impact for the tion, etc.) among a community/locale can lead to ty distribution from a public/private owned tions (mainly due to building design and surfaces
DISCOMs. However, shifting from net-metering to a lack of enthusiasm within building owners
gross-metering with a passable feed-in-tariff can be
foreseen as an obstruction to the extensivity of the Some of the proposed business models for the cause Fig. 3.1 A multifunctional BIPV building in Pregassona, in addition to the home for the elderly, this multifunctional centre
existing building rooftop model, especially in small are below: in Pregassona houses a kindergarten. Photo credits: Chiara Zocchetti – CdT.
scale and residential sector, as it increases the system • On-billing financial model: The model is useful
payback period. The PV scenario in Europe supports when the individual building owner cannot make
the same, as they have encountered a market declina- the investment upfront. Herein, a third party or
tion after the introduction of feed-in-tariff. However, DISCOM lends the money as a loan and own the
this represented a great opportunity for the growth of system up to the loan repayment. Monthly instal-
the BIPV sector with the concepts of multifunctional, ments make the loan repayment to the DISCOM
aesthetic, innovative products with new technologies along with the net electricity billing (or signing
and cost reduction potentials from both renewable PPA with DISCOM), and consumers can receive
energy and building (construction and architectural benefits of reduced grid electricity consumption
point) of view. Thus, state and central regulations (or monetary benefits of selling electricity to the
should be revisited and modified regularly (with the grid). After the loan repayment, ownership is
PPA) in the future to create a balanced environment. transferred to the building owner. Unlike normal
Considering these factors, BIPV could centre on the rooftop installation, the model is very convenient
aspect of building elemental replacement and mul- from the consumer point of view, as there is a
ti-functionalities, to create an impact on the building great necessity to own the BIPV system as part of
renewable energy and construction market in the near the building, but cannot afford the investment
future. Further, with the end of the current phase of cost initially.
JNNSM by 2022, the extensivity of building solar pro- • Solar partner model: The model is well suited for
grammes should be ramped up from RTS to more building spaces like that of multiple villas where
 available) and also to aesthetic needs. As demonstrat- compromise between visual effect and efficiency of management, have a maximal potential impact than reuse. Apart from that, it has considerable cost reduc-
ed in several studies [7], the treatments of the front photovoltaic production, and represent a dynamic market maturation improvements, both on the tion potential for the consumers, by reducing the
glass to hide the photovoltaic solar cells, providing the branch of the "active glass" industry as the current end-user cost and on competitiveness. (Fig. 3.3). labour cost, transportation cost, etc., with additional
colours to the BIPV module, can lead to relative effi- frontier of BIPV for the next few years. This innovative benefits of reduced construction time and higher qual-
ciency losses from 10% up to 60%. However, this trend trend aims to facilitate the transition to active buildings Prefabricated (Prefab) building construction and modularity ity, thanks to off-site integrated operations. A lower
defined as "camouflaged" and "customised" PV with while providing infinite possibilities for aesthetic varia- Prefabricated and modular active solar building enve- dependency on weather conditions, which can cause
the aim of combining high solar energy production tion and for rethinking the concept of building skin [9]. lopes are one of the key-strategies for reducing costs delays, is a benefit that can also be mentioned. Inte-
with a appealing aesthetic of its visual design (Fig. 3.2). in the construction industry, thanks to product and grating BIPV installation with prefab construction can
This is based on the use of glass as a key material, not Innovative approaches like Rooftop Agrivoltaics process optimisation against the conventional building eliminate the need for other building elements like
in its standard form of transparent and this dematerial- With the continual trend in urbanisation across the approaches. Also, in the BIPV sector, they’re proposed wooden panels, glasses, etc., further reducing the
ised skin is the result of the joint efforts between the globe, the possibilities of farming have been very much as one of the cost reduction strategies, such as the one investment. Further, the installation of BIPV modules
glass and the PV industry. Where, no technical limit reduced to building rooftops in urban areas. Thus, any adopted by BIPVBOOST (www.bipvboost.eu), to accel- will become easier, compared to other conventional
seems to be conditioning for the revolutionary design technology interventions that endow building skin erate the global uptake of BIPV. Majorly, the current building construction methods. With the evolution of
flexibility of the glass on which disparate customisation potential for both energy generation and food produc- Indian construction sector relies on the conventional BIPV products in the future, which can fulfil and replace
techniques are applicable, even including intermediate tion will have huge business potential and a break- construction method of “brick and cement”. The rea- conventional building elements in every aspect, prefab
sheets and photovoltaic cells [8]. through for faster PV adoption. Further, considering son is the less popularity of Prefab, and modular build- construction may be more oriented towards it, with
52 As implemented in different Swiss and European cases, the difficulties of water resource management and ing construction solutions, though many solution pro- more convenient fastening and assembly of BIPV 53
various designs can be achieved by treating the outer temperature control in urban rooftop farming under viders are available with customised offerings. It elements.
surface of the glass (e.g., by sandblasting) which, in tropical climatic conditions, the integration of rooftop basically involves manufacturing the building structural
turn, can be combined with a colour of the glass to PV systems with agriculture practices can be a promis- elements and envelope modules in an off-site manu- Lightweight and easy mounting systems
conceal the solar cells behind it. A design or colour on ing BIPV approach. Rooftop Agrivoltaics (RAV) can facturing plant. The method is considered a more con- The most adopted PV technology among BIPV prod-
the front glass can be achieved with a screen-printing replace conventional metal/polymer/ceramic external venient and sustainable way of building construction ucts is crystalline silicon based, representing a 90% and
process that deposits a special ink on the surface of the roofing systems for building protection or for reducing and more advantaged with reduced material wastage, 44% market share for roof and facade applications,
glass, such as ceramic-based digital printing or, alter- cooling load, it also supports agricultural/gardening fast on-site assembly and dismantling, and compatible respectively. In the BIPV sector, they’re typically realised
natively, by stabilising the colour at high temperature practises in open building spaces. The solution will be
with monochromatic or multi-chromatic scales used multidimensional, offering synergetic subsidy benefits
to obtain high-resolution images or prints. By combin- of PV integration and rooftop farming, as supported by Fig. 3.3 The scheme describes potential business models for rooftop agrivoltaics (1) and its opportunities when compared
ing the satin finish on the outer surface of the glass various state governments of India. Hence, RAV tech- with conventional rooftop farming (2) solution. Source SUPSI, NIIST.
with screen printing on the inner side, a resulting nology makes an attractive business model for faster
coloured matte surface can make the glass opaque and BIPV penetration in India, as it benefits the building
active. Nanotechnology-based solutions have been owner with solar energy, farming space and also elim-
developed for selective filters that can be added as inates the “Heat Island Effect (HIE). However, the tech-
internal sheets to reflect and diffuse the visible spec- nical maturation of RAV systems is very limited with
trum, thus providing a colourful appearance without the installation of intermittent solar PV installation. To
much losses in the PV efficiency. All these techniques develop as a BIPV roofing solution, technical innova-
are in progressive development to find the best tion-related improvements, especially in solar light

Fig. 3.2 Office for Environment and Energy (AUE), Basel. Source: solarchitecture.ch.
 in glazed panes such as laminated glasses [10]. How- Readiness level - TRL 5), small-scale outdoor mock- aesthetics and reducing the material cost. Frameless to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
ever, in the recent years, thin-film based PV technolo- ups (TRL 6) and demonstration in a real building envi- glass-to-glass solar panels as rooftop shingles and (CSIRs), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and
gies have been developed to ensure flexibility, benda- ronment (TRL 7/8). Hence for India, real-scale and canopy are comparatively the latest strike in the Indian National Institutes of Technology (NITs) for their assis-
bility and lightness in BIPV products. These modular testbeds are also necessary for innovative BIPV market. Apart from that, BIPV product innovation tance. All the test labs should have a National Accredi-
technological alternatives consist of a PV active layer product development. They can act as a Research and can also be achieved with non-silicon photovoltaic tation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
(CIS, CIGS, etc.) encapsulated in glass, metal or poly- Industrialisation hub housing R&D turnkey lines for technologies like thin-film solar cells (CIGS, GaAs, (NABL) accreditation and be approved by the Bureau of
mers. Thin-film based BIPV components have been BIPV module innovation, prototyping facilities for new CdTe), coloured solar cells, organic solar cells, dye-sen- Indian Standards (BIS). These centres will act as sec-
demonstrated to be versatile and adaptable to differ- product development, testing and certification facili- sitised solar cells (DSSC), that have varied optical trans- ondary labs, for result comparison and calibration
ent building applications in order to satisfy both the ties. To facilitate a faster route for the technology inno- mission, colour, and flexibility. The technological and practises for quality assurance. In India, manufacturers
aesthetic and technological requirements. In many vation to market, this concept of research and innova- economic competitiveness are yet to be attained with and solar modules approved by BIS and MNRE, and are
cases, the system results in a lightweight BIPV module tion testbed can be implemented at varies locations of these types of PV materials, when compared to silicon published in the Approved List of Modules and Manu-
on which the lower transportation, installation and the country with international exchanges and operate PV. facturers (ALMM) will be eligible for the government’s
labour cost can be further the key drivers for the cost in synergy with market stakeholders. solar schemes. The detailed guidelines for certification
reduction and the attractiveness on the market. For Need for exclusive standards and comprehensive ratings and Indian Standards for the modules and components
example, a typical product consists of a CIGS module Product customisation and supply chain management Integrating PV in building skin today requires an accu- have been published by MNRE [11]. For testing a new
on metal, which best suits industrial rooftop buildings Rather than a renewable energy technology, BIPV has rate performance assessment in accordance with con- product, the sub-SQCC initially checks the applicability
54 and large surfaces. The use of easy mounting struc- been predominantly promoted worldwide as building struction norms and PV standards, depending on the of existing standards. A new procedure will be devel- 55
tures represents a cost reduction strategy to lower materials in the last decade, because of its multifunc- type of use and functions. The topic of BIPV as a multi- oped based on the requirements and product proper-
installation time related to assembly and the installa- tional categorisation [6]. With the contemporary build- functional product, more than many other construc- ties. Testing will be conducted in three different labs
tion on site. Even though the above-mentioned solu- ing architectural and aesthetic inclinations, elemental tion products placed on the market, deals with harmo- with the same procedures, and the results will be vali-
tions represent a clear strategy to directly reduce the building designs (size, shape, structure and external nising performance information by finding the right dated with errors and uncertainties. The method will
costs of BIPV installations, their availability on the envelope designs) have been unrestricted with new approaches considering its dual function as an energy be reviewed with the consultation of other test labs
market is still a question, since only a few manufactur- construction technologies, innovative building prod- and construction component, and the growing custo- and finally decided by MNRE. The Standards, Test and
ers offers market ready solutions. ucts, and implied with local building codes and regula- misation of technologies. The current complexity of the Quality Control Committee (STQCC) is organised with
tions. The perspective has extensively demanded normative assets, as it is today, is still considered a Secretary, MNRE as Chairman, subject experts includ-
(3) BIPV Industrial Sphere: Technology readiness, building materials to add functional values, aesthetic practical barrier for market implementation, and inno- ing from NABL and BIS as members, and adviser as
Supply chain and Certification appeal with customisation opportunities, especially for vators often struggle between interpretation and Member Secretary to oversee and coordinate the
Enabling faster Technology Readiness among research and facade application. Hence, customisable BIPV module experience. However, new testing approaches ensur- standardisation and testing of the renewable energy
industry production, with the aspect of size, shape, texture, col- ing product quality, cost reduction and more substan- system, components, and devices. Sub-SQTCC are
To facilitate a faster route for the BIPV (or) BAPV inno- our and functional properties, is a need of the hour. The tial penetration of BIPV in the market are under inves- formed in each of the three primary labs with experts
vations to market, country need to build the right eco- manufacturing facilities could cater for these requisites, tigation and development in current projects. With the from R&D/ academic institutes and industries to devel-
system for R&D that will expedite the timeline for pro- especially at the early stage of BIPV evolution. expansion, up-gradation and development of PV tech- op and update standards and testing protocols for the
totyping, benchmarking, and commercialisation. On The extent of the local supply chain strongly deter- nologies, there is a bigger concern of product perfor- respective product area.
the one hand, it is important to financially support sci- mines these customisations, product quality and relia- mance and reliability. With the introduction of BIPV, With the expecting and upcoming phase of BIPV, and
ence-based innovation projects conducted by industri- bility. Within the function of visible light transmission, development and regular amendments of individual the possibility of utilisation and flexibility of it in build-
al partners and private and public institutions jointly, selective light reflection, textural appearance, the product standards/testing with the application is get- ing elemental replacement, will create huge stress on
with research partners in all subject areas to develop importance of laminating glass and laminating poly- ting crucial. Also, their testing and certification should the area of standardisation, testing policies and proto-
new types of products, services or processes together. mer layer can be accounted to overall BIPV building be conducted in time for the industries and be stand- cols of the products, components and systems, espe-
This is crucial, not only for innovative product develop- aesthetics and functionalities. The connecting glass ardised with reliability for the consumers. Thus, a prop- cially for the vast Indian geography and market. Since
ment but also for product modifications and correc- sector market can include solar clear glass, coloured er standardisation, testing and certification of BIPV additional testing and standardisation of different
tions. On the other hand, it also helps to promote the glass, anti-reflective glass, insulated glass units, active products helps in the regulation of costs, thereby product performances are required for BIPV systems, a
development and testing of new technologies, solu- shadings and blinds, textural and printed glass, etc. increasing the market. In India, the National Institute of vigorous involvement of experts from different fields,
tions and concepts relating to the economic and eco- Considering the Indian context, the material supplying Solar Energy (NISE) has been the apex institute for the including architects, subject experts from R&D insti-
logical use of energy. Pilot scale demonstration pro- companies are scattered and lacks awareness regard- testing and certification of PV devices and components tutes, experts from building construction, and mem-
grams act as a key interface between research and the ing BIPV market possibilities. Creating awareness (NISE, together with the National Institute of Wind bers from solar industries, are required in prior for the
market to improve the status of the development of among these stakeholders and enabling a common Energy (NIWE) and the National Institute of Bio-Ener- development. More BIPV exclusive testing centres
new technologies so that they can ultimately be material data information repository can deal the gy (NIBE) acts as the primary test labs for the whole could be formed across India in different zones, and a
brought into the market. In this context, demonstra- problem much effectively. renewable energy sector). In addition to that, three specific pattern of testing protocols could be consid-
tion activities in BIPV are an important part of research Designing and engineering BIPV products and their testing labs in R&D organisations, supported by MNRE ered according to the different regional climatic condi-
for enabling its market exposure. For example, SUPSI manufacturing is also crucial for the product perfor- and two private-sector labs (UL India Pvt. Ltd., and TUV tions. In the H2020 BIPVBOOST project (www.bipv-
activity across many years through BIPV national and mance, aesthetics, and final cost. For example, effi- Rheinland), are involved in testing and certification of boost.eu - European Union's Horizon 2020 reasearch
international projects, translated it in the form of an ciently utilisable design considerations can be implied solar PV programmes in India (according to MNRE and innovation programme under grant agreement No
applied research approach focusing on the BIPV prod- with textural/ coloured glass, where intermitted spaces data (2017) published in website). With the demand of 817991), a first effort for developing new BIPV test
uct validation between indoor testing (Technology can be used for PV integration, enhancing the testing centres, MNRE is trying to expand their reach procedures has been made as reference for the BIPV
 community with the goal of supporting the sector qualitative terms. Along with a wide research portfolio, science by participating in international collaborative At the time of project initiation, architects, being the
overcoming the current missing gap among construc- ranges from sensitisation and education, to technolog- research, establishing scientific facilities of international centre of planning, could collaborate with RESCO for
tion and PV performance assessment and also address- ical developments with industrial partners, including standard in India, developing cutting edge technologies, developing innovative building plans with BIPV inte-
ing the cost reduction targets [12], [13]. Hence, as a testing and validation in real scenarios, Pilot & Demon- training of researchers, engineers and industry professionals, gration possibilities. Unlike normal rooftop PV systems,
recommendation, a comprehensive and easily under- stration projects in collaboration with industries, archi- design and delivery of major precision equipment for these better knowledge of solar architecture for RESCO
standable BIPV rating system could also be considered tecture/engineering offices, installers and other and utilising spin-off technologies emanating from them could be acquired with proper training. Architects
for the better penetration of BIPV products in the authorities and real players will have to be one main towards societal benefits” [14]. Thus, it is expected that could be oriented with Building Information Modelling
Indian market. The rating system could be standard- focus. This will bring down the cost of multifunctional the new STIP policies will ensure cohesive and trans- software which are BIPV product oriented can be very
ised with controls and exclusive testing protocols for BIPV systems, limiting the over cost concerning tradi- parent evaluation of all kinds of research and innova- helpful for parametrising and optimising building
each of the property evaluations, which could be clas- tional, non-PV, construction solutions and non-inte- tion, with global partners. This will enable the Indian design features. For example, computational models
sified for mandatory and non-mandatory tests based grated PV modules, towards the mass realisation of BIPV sector to develop a standardised research and for different building typology, exhibiting all the visual
on the application. nearly Zero Energy Buildings. The strong complemen- innovation excellence framework in collaboration with and functional aspects of BIPV elements, can attract
tarity and synergy between the levels of maturity of international communities. Further, the engagement the consumers better and shows better execution
(4) Innovation landscape technologies, which are ranging from TRL1 to 4 (tech- of the Indian BIPV sector with global industries, R&D plans. Government regulations and financial relaxa-
Research Projects nology Laboratory Validated) for fundamental research institutes, and academia will enable global R&D pro- tions could be published by DISCOM for the awareness
In India, the R&D for BIPV specific technology and and between TRL5 and 7/8 (System prototype demon- gress indicators, know-how for state-of-the-art tech- of architects and consumers thereby realising more
56 products development is at a nascent stage. However, stration in operational environment/System complete nologies and products, patents, and other critical renewable energy integrated building plans. A detailed 57
fundamental research of interdisciplinary nature is and qualified) for applied research will be a key-point. knowledge required for faster diffusion of BIPV. Fur- proposal with the energy capacity, proposed yearly
being carried out by both academic and research insti- This opens for potential joint programs in planning, ther, such frameworks will also act as a fertile innova- energy generation, building codes, energy conservation
tutes leading to high-quality publications, facilities and managing, and assessing a successful technology tran- tion landscape for BIPV specific innovation and indige- features, etc., could be submitted to the DISCOM for
patents required for the BIPV technology development sition for the Indian research sector through a core set nous product development in the country. evaluation and approval for financial relaxations, if any.
and deployment. On the basic R&D front, the efforts of activities that can support pushing towards the Any other building investment allocation approval from
majorly concern newer topics for energy generation mature products with a greater degree of readiness, (5) Defining stakeholder involvement: Need for the government, if any, could be submitted separate by
and efficiency, such as functional materials for ener- including systems re-engineering that are tailored to stakeholder awareness, extensive project planning & the consumer. At the time of commencement, the
gy-efficient devices, , sensitisers, photo/thermo/elec- the BIPV technology development for the Indian mar- execution involvement of builders with structural engineering
trochromic materials, third-generation PV technolo- ket and local goals. As per the discussion in the previous sections, the and RESCO is extremely important for a BIPV specific
gies etc. One risk of basic research is not to have stakeholder involvement mapping (as shown in the building design. For a prefab building, the structural
immediate commercial objectives or that it may not Engagement of international communities Fig. 3.4) is essential for the evolution of the BIPV sector parts are designed and acquired from the prefab com-
necessarily result in a solution to a practical problem in BIPV has achieved a high level of technology maturity in India. Considering the project implementation of panies, according to the BIPV module specifications.
the form of products, procedures or services which are globally, especially in Europe with multiple live demon- Rooftop Solar installation in India, the stakeholder Strong interaction of architects, builders and prefab
ready for the market. Apart from fundamental research stration projects. Engagement of PV industries and involvement is majorly limited to the DISCOM and companies are thus required even from the early stage
of interdisciplinary nature, technology-based interven- constructions sectors has taken the EU BIPV sector RESCOs for the project development phase. The of deployment. Innovative structural design, assembly
tions have been greatly carried out in the last decade, towards higher Commercial Readiness Levels (CRL). involvement of architects and builders are almost zero design and methods, tend to build on the BIPV outlook.
especially in the field of solar energy. This includes Currently, realising the involvement of multiple stake- in this regard, as less project design or solar architec- Lack of interaction and knowledge sharing between
innovative solar energy management technologies like holders, the BIPV Capacity Building programme is ture is involved in this. However, for BIPV installations, RESCO, and the building industry tend to fade the pro-
planar light concentrators, dynamic power windows, structured through the involvement of R&D institu- the synergetic involvement and collaboration of archi- ject standards and timely execution. Easiness and
organic and inorganic hybrid solar cells, rooftop agri- tions and industries to bridge the knowledge gap with- tectures, builders, DISCOMs, and RESCO is necessary timely planning and execution can be regarded as one
voltaics etc., which can be mentioned as a few in the in the PV and construction sector stakeholders, thereby at different project execution levels. Herein, some of of the indicants of better market penetration and busi-
BIPV headway. In this framework, the applied research meeting UN SDG’s 4, 9 and 11. With its wide demog- the foreseen project implementation concerns and ness model evaluation of BIPV. Rigorous and coordi-
methodology is a complementary discipline to solve raphy, a country like India can consider developing directions to defy them are described. nated training is necessary for stakeholders directly
specific, practical problems bridging scientific aspects BIPV specific capacity building programme jointly with For easy BIPV sector expansion as augmented market- involved in the project planning and execution. Gov-
with the industrial, market and stakeholder's needs and international partners, which will, in turn, accelerate ing technology, the product, system implementation, ernment, SNAs, R&D Institutes, BIPV manufacturing
challenges. India needs to develop expertise in manu- the CRL of the BIPV industry in the country by generat- technical, and technological awareness growth could companies could conduct stakeholder-oriented work-
facturing production equipment for PV/BIPV technolo- ing the know-how about the state-of-the-art in the always be prerequisites for the consumers. Unlike nor- shops, conferences and training programmes, for bet-
gies since the country had been depending on technol- BIPV industry. Hence, it is of utmost importance to mal PV systems, these multiple layers of awareness ter understanding of the technical and non-technical
ogies elsewhere and was importing them at a high formulate a dynamic, evidence-informed and proactive should always follow the proper channels, making it a aspects of BIPV sector. Training on systematic design
cost. With the indigenisation of technology, it is possi- international S&T engagement strategy for India's BIPV complicated framework to develop. Products, system tools and geographic data acquirement could be pro-
ble to achieve a very impacting cost reduction com- sector to keep pace with the global benchmarks. Under and economic knowledge is always a primary concern vided for RESCO and architects from R&D and other
pared to the existing ones in the international market, the aegis of the Ministry of Science and Technology, for every stakeholder in project implementation, Government institutes. BIPV manufacturing companies
which could help with large scale deployment for vari- GoI; DST has come up with a draft Science, Technology, including the consumer, architects, builders, RESCO could conduct regular marketing programmes with
ous BIPV sectors in the near future. and Innovation Policy (STIP) that supports internation- and DISCOM. Certified BIPV products of different com- absolute technical and economic evaluation, followed
A key point will be the interdisciplinary and quality of al engagement to address global challenges, thereby panies could be conveniently enlisted and exhibited in a by building economic evaluation of BIPV from archi-
the research projects, together with the territorial and supporting UN SDG’s. The draft STIP has multiple decentralised common platform for better product tects and builders. Regular interaction and market
academic networks' efficacy in both quantitative and objectives, such as “addressing some fundamental issues in knowledge and technical awareness. feedback from consumers, architects, and RESCO
 3.2 Stakeholders' map
PROJECT PLANNING & EXECUTION

BIPV Testing & Certification Centres Building Owner T DISCOM

Refined Standards & Testing Protocols External funding (if) State-wise BIPV Energy Regulations

Zone wise allocation of more BIPV testing centres BIPV Business Model Consumer Awareness New BIPV Business Models

Consumer Awareness Programs

BIPV Oriented Innovative Architecture and Construction

58 59

T BIPV Manufacturing Industry T Government & Associated Institutes T RESCO

Extensive BIPV Product Certification & Rating Feedback on BIPV Market Trend BIPV Product Awareness

Government Financial & Infrastructural Support New Methodology for BIPV Policies and Regulation BIPV System Feedback

BIPV Industrial Awareness & Penetration

BIPV Product Development

Technical R&D Intervention

T Architects & Builders
BIPV Product Industrial Translation

External Resource Management for Production Procurement of Prefab Construction Elements (if)

BIPV Product Awareness

Consumer Feedback

BIPV Promotion
T R&D Institutions
New Building Energy Policies & Standards

R&D funding

BIPV Product Innovation

T: training, workshop & conferences ¦ Arrow down: training received ¦ Arrow up: training provided.
Fig. 3.4 Stakeholders' map. Source: NIIST.
 Strength Weakness
High Solar attractiveness: According to EY May 2021 report, the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index BIPV Product certification: As it is an emerging technology in the country, the product standards and building codes
(RECAI) ranking of India has raised from fourth to third rank globally, in the renewable energy investment and have not yet been established for BIPV systems. Apart from basic energy certifications, the requirement of explicit
deployment opportunities, and scored first in the Solar PV category [15]. functional, safety and performance standards are necessary.

Lower Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE): With the increasing exploitation of the vast solar potential and lower GoI subsidy limitation across states: As the Indian building solar sector is concentrated on rooftop solar systems, the regulations are
benchmark cost of Rooftop Solar (RTS) systems, India has the least LCOE for RTS systems across the globe. specified and followed under this category. Thus, for BIPV system, the lower capping of subsidy limits (as for residential buildings, it is
Compared to countries like the USA (238 $/MWh) and Spain, the lowest in Europe (90 $/MWh), the LCOE is very 10kW; subsidies are not allowed for other sectors) will hinder the growth of the BIPV sector with the current business plans.
low in India (66$/MWh) [16]. The trend is expected to favour the BIPV sector in India too.
Extensive administrative procedures: Majorly centred with DISCOM, the need for standardisation and simplification of installa-
Consumers attractiveness with net metering regulations: As per MNRE OM dated 2021, GoI has extended the limit of tion procedures is required to implement fast processing and implementation, and also to decrease the administrative burden
net metering RTS installations from 10kW to 500kW. Also, many individual states have been promoting PV build- on DISCOMs. Recently, regulations have been announced to conduct vendor selection and submission of the application
ing integration with state regulations and policies with DISCOMs for residential, commercial, institutional and directly from consumers for RTS installations. However, for proper conduction of this, reduced number of interactions, complex
industrial sectors, widely influencing the consumers [17]. paperwork and process duration, along with consumer awareness on procedures and techno-economics, are requisite.
60 61
GoI’s initiative to promote Indian solar industry: Currently, India has a domestic module manufacturing capacity of 15 Lack of manufacturing industries & awareness: On May 2020, India had a module manufacturing capacity of only 10 GW,
GW/year and a cell manufacturing capacity of 3 GW/year [18] and heavily depends on countries like China, Tai- which hampers the growth of innovative solar technologies and solar energy growth of India [18]. The existing stake-
wan, etc. for solar equipment, components and sub-systems. To enhance the growth of solar industry in India, holder community has less awareness and knowledge of BIPV products/ BIPV building constructions. Regarding project
there is a considerable need to develop solar associated products and elements domestically. With the GoI’s Atma planning and execution of BIPV projects, multiple stakeholders, their awareness, effective interaction and collaboration is
Nirbhar Bharat strategy, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) produced an order necessary. The involvement of architects and builders are meagre with the current rooftop solar business models.
to give preference to local suppliers for purchases. MNRE also imparted an order to promote Class-I local suppli-
ers (local content <50%) for products having sufficient local capacity and competition. Other schemes like special Unevenness of solar policies and regulations in India: State-wise policies and regulations are uneven in India, which
incentive package scheme (M-SIPS), Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and policies like discontinuation of effects the reach and growth of RESCOs in a zone.
customs duty concession and imposing duty on imported PV modules and cell are some measures taken by GoI
for the cause. BIPV demonstrations in India: Not many BIPV demonstrations with benchmarking, energy and performance evalu-
ation has been carried out in India, which can upshot less confidence within stakeholder community & investors.

Opportunities Threats
Growth of Indian building construction sector: As mentioned, the Indian construction sector is expected to grow with Regulation imbalance: For the expansion of the BIPV sector in India, there is a greater need for a balanced obligation
an impressive trend, with a projection of ~45 billion square metres in floor area additions by 2060. in regulations and business plans between consumers and DISCOMs. The mostly adopted CAPEX-net metering
solar building business plan will create more financial plight for the DISCOMs on the long course.
Era of electrification in transport sector: The GoI aims to penetrate the transportation sector by electric vehicles for
30% of private cars, 70% for commercial vehicles and 80% for two- and three-wheelers by 2030. Even though this Possibility of pseudo and inferior BIPV products/installations: India is yet to have the verge of expansion in the BIPV
can constitute around 2% of national electricity demand, the distribution and charging of Electric Vehicles (EVs) sector. Further, the regulations, standardisation and certification of BIPV products and deployment are indeed
are expected to contribute more from building energy than public distribution systems [19]. lacking. If a sudden market urge evolves in the coming years, there will be a significant threat of sub-standard and
pseudo BIPV products penetration in the market.
Building energy demand rise: By 2050, the building energy demand is expected to rise 10 times from that of 2020,
with stable GDP growth, baseline cooling, and home EV charging [20]. Lack of coordination and awareness leading to uninspired project demonstrations: As mentioned, BIPV project planning
requires rigorous coordination and execution from architects, builders, RESCO and DISCOM. Lack of BIPV prod-
Prefabricated and cost-effective construction: As discussed in this chapter, BIPV implementation can have a strong ucts and building design awareness can cause insignificant models in the market.
economic impact and implementation potential when allied with prefab modular construction.
Elevating import duty: India is a country that majorly depends on imported raw materials, from solar cells to mod-
BIPV as a disruptive technology: BIPV's selling point is always marked as a multifunctional renewable energy tech- ules. India is planning to set basic customs duty of 40% on solar modules and 25% on solar cells from April 1, 2022.
nology that can replace conventional building elements. However, sector maturation is not yet achieved in the Even though it promotes local manufacturing of solar modules for utility farms and rooftop installations, it may
Indian context. With product and construction standardisation, and better economic awareness and feasibility, contradictorily affect the not yet evolved BIPV sector by hampering its growth or elevating the price.
BIPV technology can have a rapid disruptive growth in the building construction sector in the coming decades.
Operation and maintenance: Operation and maintenance of BIPV installed buildings can also be a major concern in
the future, as it is prevailing now with the poor air quality in India [21].
 Curtain wall
Application categories with a top distinguishable by the facade, is the top
Application cat.: C, D
As mentioned in the previous paragraphs, the draft of covering providing protection and separating
the standard IEC 63092 [10] classified the BIPV appli- indoor and outdoor environments (application Discontinuous roof
cations into five main categories listed as “Application categories A and B). Application cat.: A, B
Categories” (Tab. 2.1). It is applicable to different types • Façade: A façade, in a traditional building con-
of BIPV modules, and it is a classification according to struction with parietal walls distinguishable by the Canopy
Application cat.: E
the type of integration, slope and accessibility criteria, roof, is the vertical (or tilted) exterior surface,
in particular: which is the architectural showcase and separates
• Integrated into the building envelope: yes/no indoor and outdoor environments. (Application Window
• Accessible from within the building: yes/no categories C and D). Application cat.: C, D
• Sloped: yes/no • External integrated device: Elements and systems of
“Not accessible from within the building” means that the building skin which are in contact only with
another construction product still provides protection the outdoor environment (application category
against mechanical impact within the building, even if E). Masonry wall
the PV module has been damaged or removed. These These groups can be categorised in sub-systems as Application cat.: C, D

categories are developed considering glass as a main shown in the following figures Fig. 2.2 [9]. External integrated
38 substrate and material of the BIPV module retaining device 39
Balustrade
most of the mechanical properties. A specific definition of the sub-systems based on the Application cat.: C, D, E
Application cat.: E
IEA PVPS T15 [9] is presented below:
System Categories • Discontinuous roof: A “discontinuous roof” is typi-
The classes of building skin systems can be identified as cally a pitched/sloped opaque envelope part con-
specialised construction units, and the categorisation is sisting of small elements (tiles, slates, shingles,
based on the main technological systems available for etc.) with the primary function of water drainage. Rainscreen facade
building envelopes. In conventional constructions, the It is the part of the building envelope, where the Application cat.: C, D Continuous roof
definition of the main building skin construction sys- PV transfer had its first successes due to the Application cat.: A, B
tems can be grouped in: advantages of optimal orientation of pitches and
• Roof: A roof, in a traditional building construction the simplicity of installation. BIPV is typically part Fig. 2.2 System categories. Source: SUPSI.

Tab. 2.1 List of Application Categories. Source: IEA. of the discrete elements composing the roof tiling, • Curtain wall: It is an external and continuous build-
which form part of the roofing layer. ing skin fenestration system, totally or partially
Category A: Sloping, roof-integrated, not accessible from within the building • Continuous roof: A “continuous roof”, a flat or glazed, composed of panels supported by a sub-
The BIPV modules are installed at a tilt angle between 0° and 75° from the curved roof, is characterised by a large uninter- structure in which the outer components are
horizontal plane [0°, 75°], with another building product installed rupted layer with the primary function of being non-structural. A curtain wall refers to its con-
underneath water-resistant. Usually, membranes are used as struction, since façade is hanging (just as a cur-
a water barrier. In the first applications in time, tain) from the top perimeter of the building and is
Category B: Sloping, roof-integrated, accessible from within the building the PV was mainly placed on top of the roof locally fixed to resist air and water infiltration, and
The BIPV modules are installed at a til angle between 0° and 75° from the (BAPV). Lightweight and self-bearing systems is typically designed with extruded aluminium
horizontal plane [0°, 75°] represent the second generation of PV applica- frames (but also steel, wood, etc.) filled with glass
tions (BIPV). Flexible membranes, solar flooring panes. The façade should satisfy multiple require-
Category C: Non-sloping (vertically) envelope-integrated, not accessible from within and other solutions can be used for integrating PV ments, such as a load-bearing function, acoustic
the building as a multifunctional part of the building envelope. and thermal insulation, light transmission, water-
The BIPV modules are installed at a tilt angle between 75° and 90° from the • Skylight: These are light-transmitting building ele- proofing, etc. E.g., in the configuration of “warm
horizontal plane [75°, 90°], with another building product installed behind. ments that cover all or a part of the roof. They are façade” it directly divides, as a skin layer, outdoor
typically (semi)transparent for daylighting pur- and indoor environments. It can be realised
Category D: Non-sloping (vertically), envelope-integrated, accessible from within the poses, with additional thermal, acoustic and/or according to different construction systems such
building waterproofing functions when protecting an as stick-system, unitised curtain wall, Structural
The BIPV modules are installed at a tilt angle between 75° and 90° from the indoor environment. Alternatively, they serve Sealant Glazing (SSG), point-fixed or suspended
horizontal plane [75°, 90°] mainly as a shelter if protecting outdoor façade. In their most basic form, they are win-
(non-heated) areas (atriums). They can be fixed dows, while in more complicated forms, they can
Category E: Externally-integrated, accessible or not accessible from within the building or openable, and retractable. PV is typically part of be used to realise complex skin façades. PV is
The BIPV modules are installed to from an additional functional layer that the glazed layer, applying both crystalline or thin- typically part of the outer cladding layer, in the
provides a building requirement. E.g. balcony balustrades, shutters, awn- film PV technologies, and with various possibilities form of glass-glass elements, with crystalline or
ings, louvres, brise soleil, etc. for transparency degrees and visual appearance. thin-film technologies and various transparency
 degrees and visual appearance possibilities. Usu- • External integrated device: These include 1) Trans- Tab. 2.2 BIPV cladding properties. Source: IEA.
ally, the glass is an IGU (double or triple glazing) to parent or opaque multi-functional and photovol-
ensure adequate thermal and acoustic insulation. taic solar shading devices (Louvres or embedded CLADDING DESCRIPTION SOURCE
• Rainscreen: Well known as a “cold” or ventilated venetian blinds) for façades or balustrades with
façade, it consists of a load-bearing substructure, the role of “fall protection” that are necessary for MATERIAL It represents the main material/s in which the solar cells are integrated or encap- BIPVBOOST [13]
an air gap and a cladding. In summer, heat from the safety of the building (e.g., in balconies, log- sulated in order to form the end BIPV product. Today, the most common material
the sun is dissipated, thanks to the cavity that gias, parapets);2) Transparent or opaque shading is glass, used as module backsheet and/or frontsheet. Glazed solution is suitable
usually is naturally ventilated through bottom and devices for roofs aimed to select the solar radia- for semi-transparent and opaque solutions. Other supporting materials adopted
top openings. A rainscreen is ideal for enhancing tion; 3) Integrated canopies, greenhouses and for BIPV installations include polymer, metal, and cement-based materials. The
rear ventilation. It is typically categorised as “vent- veranda. features of the material establish the thermal, architectural and technical prop-
ed” with openings at the bottom; “ventilated” • Canopy: A canopy is an unenclosed roof or a struc- erties of the building envelope.
openings at both the bottom and top; and “pres- ture over which a covering is attached, providing
sure equalised” rainscreen with compartmentali- shade or shelter from weather conditions. Such TRANSPARENCY It permits to distinguish semi-transparent and opaque solutions. Semi-transpar- BIPVBOOST [13]
sation in the air cavity. Many construction models canopies are supported by the building to which ent solutions are suitable for curtain walls, double skin façades, warm façades, IEA PVPS Task15 [9]
and technological solutions are available on the they are attached or also by a ground-mounting skylights, canopies, etc. The transparency value of BIPV modules allows archi-
market, also with various joints and fixing options. or stand-alone structure, such as a fabric-covered tects and designers to increase the building’s user comfort and energetic perfor-
40 Usually, PV elements are integrated similarly to gazebo. mance. The assessment of daylighting, glare and view out are additional param- 41
opaque, non-active building cladding panels and eters that can be set by adjusting the transparency performance of
can assume many aesthetic configurations, espe- semi-transparent surfaces. Opaque solutions do not permit the light to pass
cially through glass customisation (colours, tex- BIPV cladding properties through the building envelope. These solutions are suitable for rainscreen, prefab
tures, sizes, etc.). Cladding is referred to the external part of the techno- roof/façade, railings, louvres, curtain wall, flat or pitched roof solutions.
• Double skin façade: It consists of two layers, usually logical system layering (e.g., façade cladding or roof
two glazing elements wherein air flows through tiling) together with the associated technological THERMAL It is referred to the module's thermal transmittance (U value). The thermal pro- BIPVBOOST [13]
the intermediate cavity. This space (which can requirements (e.g., building covering, weather protec- INSULATION tection of the building is given by the materials that form the building skin. The IEA PVPS Task15 [9]
vary from 20 cm to a few meters) acts as insula- tion, safety, etc.). Today, BIPV claddings, namely the minimum value required to overcome the energetic standard depends on the
tion against extreme temperatures, winds, and BIPV modules, can be tailored for almost every kind of local regulations. The following solutions give the thermal insulation for the
sound, improving the building’s thermal efficiency building envelope resulting in a performing and high claddings:
for both high and low temperatures. PV is applied aesthetic solution. The customisation aspect includes • Insulated glazed unit: Glazed solution normally used when thermal protec-
similarly to a curtain wall even though the outer colour, dimension, shape, thermal properties, material, tion between two spaces is required (insulated glass unit, curtain walls or
façade, in this case, does not require thermal insu- etc. A categorisation of BIPV cladding, based on their skylights, etc.);
lation. Thus, it is often a glass laminate rather than properties and application, as defined in the framework • Prefab solution: Composite solution where the cladding is one single ele-
an insulated glazing unit (IGU). of report D1.3 of the project H2020 BIPVBOOST pro- ment composed of a front-sheet, photovoltaic layer and a substrate. The
• Window: A window is a glazed wall opening to ject [13] is reported in Tab. 2.2. It offers to architects, front-sheet could be either glazed or not glazed. The substrate could be
admit light and often air into the structure and to building owners and other stakeholders of the BIPV composed by different functional materials such as for thermal/acoustic or
allow outside views. Windows, as a very ancient value chain an overview of the possibilities offered by fire protective layers.
invention probably coincident with the develop- BIPV products:
ment of fixed and enclosed constructions, are also COLOURING This framework represents one of the possible ways to customise and boost archi- BIPV Status Report
strongly related with the building architecture, tecture. Today, several manufacturers offer coloured solutions, and the implemen- 2020 [7]
the space design, climatic conditions, functions, tation of coloured modules is growing fast. In such a way, for example, PV cells can IEA PVPS Task15 [8]
technologies and performance, etc. PV can be be camouflaged behind coloured patterns that completely dissimulate the original
integrated into conventional PV glazing or also visuality of the PV cells. A shortlist of the colouring possibilities available in the
into some innovative applications. today’s market is presented below:
• Masonry wall: A “barrier wall” or “mass wall” is an • Products with coloured/patterned interlayers and/or with special solar filters
exterior wall assembly of bricks, stones or con- • Products with coloured and/or semi-transparent PV-active layers (thin film,
crete that relies principally upon the weath- OPV)
er-tight integrity of the outermost exterior wall • Products with coloured polymer films (encapsulant, backsheet)
surfaces and construction joints to resist bulk • Products with coated, printed, specially finished or coloured front glass
rainwater penetration and/or moisture ingress covers
(e.g. precast concrete walls, exterior insulation • Products with coloured anti-reflective coatings on solar cells (c-Si)
and finish systems EIFS, etc.) or upon a combina-
tion of wall thickness, storage capacity, and (in SIZE The size parameter are distinguished as i) Large modules, when they exceed 2.6 IEA PVPS Task15 [9]
masonry construction) bond intimacy between m in any dimension or 2.1 m in both dimensions, ii) Less than 0.9 m in both
masonry units and mortar to effectively resist bulk dimensions for shingle, iii) Regular modules, when they do not fall under the cat-
rainwater penetration. egories of large or shingle [14].
 2.3 BIPV potential for buildings The condition of southern states is thus more suitable much when we travel from south to north of India,
for collecting irradiation with horizontally flat or small diminishing the pattern, thus the placement of vertical
pitched PV systems (<10˚). Compared to Kutch and PV systems seems liberal in the northern region. As
Chandigarh, the south state, Thiruvananthapuram shown in the figure, Kutch and Chandigarh can utilise
shows a peculiar pattern of maximum energy factor E-S-W orientations for vertical PV systems, offering a
To optimise the energy production from solar panels, existing urban areas represents a preliminary funda- around E-SE and W-SW orientations for vertically tilted liberal vertical PV positioning.
one of the most investigated aspects is the relation mental step. In fact, by knowing the BIPV potential, PV systems. The formation of this pattern is due to the
between solar yield with orientation and inclination. urban decision-makers can support the integration of availability of irradiation from north for a considerable
The optimal inclination to exploit the maximum solar PV in the urban environment with appropriate policies number of days in the southern locations. The pattern
irradiation is mainly a matter of solar geometry; i.e., it to achieve energy transition goals. Specifically, to tends to diminish by decreasing the PV tilt. Also, the
depends on the location's latitude. However, for BIPV, assess the urban BIPV potential of façades, not only influence of irradiation from the north will reduce
the orientation possibilities need to be defined from solar radiation analysis is required but also the identifi-
the building design stage itself. cation of construction façade characteristics, which
significantly affect the real BIPV exploitability. Many
India has an extend of land from 8°4' to 37°6' North current urban BIPV façade cadastres generally do not
latitude and 68°7' to 97°25' East compiling 29 states consider specific building characteristics since the Fig. 2.3 i) Top left: PV Energy Factor for Trivandrum; ii) Top right: PV Energy Factor for Kutch; iii) Bottom left: PV Energy
42 and 6 union territories. In India, the Tropic of Cancer majority of them are based on 3D city models (e.g. Factor for Chandigarh. iv) Bottom right: Marking of selected locations in India. Source: NIIST. 43
passes through eight states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, LOD200-schematic design), meaning that the influ-
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Ben- ence of architectural elements (such as windows, bal-
gal, Tripura and Mizoram. This specific feature of India conies, etc.) is not evaluated. Therefore, it is crucial to [%] Chandigarh Kutch
does so that for locations to the north of Tropic of have a calculation method capable of matching exist-
Cancer, solar radiations at peak time occur to be from ing solar radiation analysis with architectural charac- 1.0
South directions only for all the seasons. Moving from teristics of façades, through building typological indica-
south to north of India, the optimal PV tilt angle for tors, in order to better estimate the urban BIPV 0.8
maximum energy generation, increases due to the potential, especially for façades, to improve the current
decreased solar height. However, for the evaluation of estimations and create the framework to properly 0.6
BIPV potential based on application category in the evaluate BIPV potential from the early design phases
Indian scenario, we need to consider the solar exploita- [15]. 0.4
tion potential for different PV orientation and tilt
angles. Herein, we have considered three locations in The following paragraphs present an in-depth analysis 0.2
India for the study: 1. Thiruvananthapuram (Latitude of the sun position in India and the related solar irradi-
8.470865°; Longitude 76.991872°; Annual global irra- ation of the building envelope. 0.0
diation on the horizontal plane 1945.3 kWh/m²); 2. The solar potential study involved the data acquisition N NE E SE S SW W NW N N NE E SE S SW W NW N
Kutch ((Latitude 23.527348°; Longitude 70.785662°; of energy generation from PV at the intended locations 0 45 90 135 180 225 270 315 360 0 45 90 135 180 225 270 315 360
Annual global irradiation 2050.5 kWh/m²); 3. Chandi- for different tilt and orientation of PV using PV*SOL
garh (Latitude 30.7334421°; Longitude 76.7797143°; online tool (Assumptions: Calculated for roof-mounted
Annual global irradiation 1788.5 kWh/m²) (Irradiation 300 Wp Si monocrystalline PV modules (18.1% effi-
data acquired from PV*SOL online tool). The locations ciency) with zero considerations of diffuse light, shad- [%] Thiruvananthapuram
are selected for the general solar pattern typology in owing and soiling loss). The data generated are used
India; Thiruvananthapuram for location south of Tropic for a comparative study of the optimum tilt and orien- 1.0
of Cancer, Kutch for location passing through Tropic of tation of PV at the specific locations, thus normalising 1

Cancer, and Chandigarh for location north to Tropic of the factor of annual global irradiance and the assump- 0.8
Cancer. The distinction in solar path of the three places tions taken. The PV Energy Factor (ratio of energy that
is evident from the figure that for the southern location can be generated yearly for the specific tilt and orien- 0.6 Tropic of Cancer
2
(Thiruvananthapuram) solar irradiation is coming from tation to the maximum possible energy generated at
the North direction alone for more than one-third of the optimum tilt and orientation for the same system 0.4
the year, which will be reduced when moving towards at a specific location) of the location is plotted for the
north. The pattern will be evident up to the places of three locations with different tilt and orientations. 0.2 1. Chandigarh
Tropic of Cancer (like Kutch), further moving towards The optimum orientation is south for India, the tilt 2. Kutch
north (like Chandigarh) will reduce the share of north- being higher in northern regions, as shown in the Fig. 0.0 3. Thiruvananthapuram
ern irradiation, particularly at the solar peak of a day. 2.3 for Kutch and Chandigarh. This is due to the lower N NE E SE S SW W NW N
3
solar azimuth angle for northern regions compared to 0 45 90 135 180 225 270 315 360
To unlock the solar energy integration in the built envi- south. The optimum angle for Thiruvananthapuram,
ronment, the assessment of the BIPV potential for Kutch and Chandigarh is 8˚, 23˚ and 26˚ respectively.
 For designing BIPV/BAPV integration in new or existing been calculated with a tilt angle of 75°;
buildings, the necessity of mapping and valuing the 4. Non-sloping (vertically) envelope-integrated
solar potential of that building is crucial for efficient (category C and D): Rainscreen, curtain wall, dou-
energy and economic optimisations. The BIPV poten- ble skin, window and masonry wall. The BIPV
tial of a building is associated with the factors like score has been calculated with a minimum tilt
location, orientation and tilt of potential building sur- angle of 75°.
faces, and other external factors (not considered here) 5. Non-sloping (vertically) envelope-integrated
like shading loss, soiling loss, hail loss, clouding loss, (category C and D): Rainscreen, curtain wall, dou-
atmospheric pollution loss, etc. Herein, as an example, ble skin, window and masonry wall. The BIPV
the representation for BIPV potential score (PV energy score has been calculated with a maximum tilt
factor converted as score in 100 for easy adoption) is angle of 90° (refer BIPV application category).
shown Fig. 2.4 indicatively for the three selected loca-
tions, and applicable for categories: In conclusion, the mapping of solar potential score for
buildings (including the external losses) helps in identi-
1. Sloping roof integrated (category A and B): Dis- fying the utilisable surfaces and solutions for BIPV/
continuous and continuous roof, skylight, canopy. BAPV integration for efficient investment. For new
44 The BIPV score has been calculated with a mini- buildings, a score mapping according to the building 45
mum tilt angle of 0°. design (including shade and utilisable surface analysis)
2. Sloping roof integrated (category A and B): Dis- can support the generation and modification of BIPV
continuous and continuous roof, skylight, canopy. innovative designs for better energy and economic
The BIPV score has been calculated with a maxi- optimisation with efficient material utilisations.
mum tilt angle of 15°.
3. External integrated (category E): External inte-
grated device and canopy. The BIPV score has

Fig. 2.4 BIPV Score: PV energy factor converted as score in 100 for easy adoption. Source: NIIST.
 Grafico con immagini
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a The key features are:
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b • Perfect for factories and warehouses where high temperature is an issue.
• Provides Waterproofing as well.
d • No separate installation mechanism.
c • Modular, lightweight & durable.

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c. Aelius Solar Coffee Table (NetZero Individual product)
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Applicable for: Individual Home/Flat Owners, Hotel Chains, Cafes, Bungalow owners, Parks.

Introduction d. Aelius Solar Pavers (Building oriented BIPV)

The key features are:
Aelius Turbina was conceived in 2020 with a purpose of bringing green energy to the • Single, modular solar pavers can be combined together.
masses & trying to achieve the NetZero dream. We have won the Best Green Energy • Direct replacement of tiles and multiple pavers.
Start-ups 2021 award and have been invited by the Indian Consulate to represent • Waterproof, leakproof, tamper-proof, heat resistant & walk friendly.
Innovation in the Solar sector for Dubai Expo 2020. • Easy maintenance.
Aelius Turbina are the thought leaders, innovators & implementers of BIPV technology • High energy yield.
in India.
Applicable for: IT Parks, Hospitals, Hotel Chains, Gardens, Pavements, Parks, Bunga-
Our Innovation & USP: Fig. Aelius Turbina - BIPV Products & Services lows, Open public areas.
• Our ultimate goal is to create a NetZero Carbon Building consisting of Aelius Tur-
bina’s innovative BIPVproducts. e. Aelius Solar Railings (Building oriented BIPV)
• These BIPV products are a direct replacement of traditional building surfaces to The key features are:
maximise the potential of the Solar energy generation. • A smart balcony railing that generates power from the sun.
• While these BIPV products are independent solar energy products, they can be com- • An aesthetically pleasing alternative to conventional glass panel railings.
bined together to fulfil the energy requirements of any structure - flat to factories. • Seamless solar cell integration results in limitless design and colour options.
• Most of our BIPV Products have a ROI between 3-4 years* • Same sturdiness and protection of a traditional glass railing.
c
a. Aelius BIPV roof (Roofing BIPV product) Applicable for: Architects, Builders, Houses/Flats, Hotel Chains, Residential Buildings.
The key features are:
• The Aelius BIPV Roof is a 5 in 1 integrated roof - shade, solar power, daylight, a f. Aelius Solar Awnings (Building oriented BIPV)
waterproofing and rainwater harvesting. The key features are:
• There is no need for separate roofing costs. The Solar panels are the roof. • Aelius Awnings acts as solar protection during the day thereby reducing the
• Any solar panel can be converted into Aelius BIPV Roof. The BIPV roofing system is heat while generating energy for usage.
highly customizable. b • Simple to set up, can be placed on the openings of the rooms or commercial
• Economical than Metal Roofing + Solar. premises as a single module or in series.
• Accelerated depreciation benefits. • Can be connected to an off-grid or on-grid stem, typically used for
• Eligible Input Tax Credit. self-consumption.
• Modular, light-weight, easy to maintain.
Applicable for: Warehouses, Factories, Production Set-up, Manufacturing Plants, IT
Parks, Hospitals, Hotel Chains, Bungalows, Houses/Flats. Applicable for: Architects, Builders, Houses/Flats, Hotel Chains, Residential Buildings, Cafes.
d e/f
 3.1 Roadmap for BIPV implementation

Unlike standalone PV utility systems and rooftop solar major focus. Recently, GoI had released its National
systems, the penetration of the BIPV sector in the mar- Action Plan on Climate Change, this is in line with the
ket requires direct renewable energy policies integrat- United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN
ed with other uninitiated policies and regulations in SDG) and Mission Innovation (MI) launched during
building energy and construction sectors. Building a COP21. The MI is a global platform to foster and pro-
roadmap for the Indian BIPV sector is challenging at mote R&D for accelerated and affordable clean energy
the current state of non-uniform and expansive mar- innovation, India and the EU are certain key members
ket, demographic distinction, stakeholder value and for this global initiative.
hierarchy, industrial inflexibility with the present state
of affairs, and severe lack of awareness within every How can BIPV directly influence policies & regulations?
stakeholder level. To initiate and define a collective and Replacing surfaces of building roofs and façades with
48 concrete roadmap for BIPV implementation in India, active claddings, BIPV is a unique way to reduce the 49
this report focuses on five main factual contemplation energetic impact of buildings, transforming them to
levels; nearly-zero energy or plus energy. Indeed, the multi-
1. Perspective: Government policies, Initiatives and functionality of BIPV installations allows to produce
Business models on-site renewable electricity and to act for the perfor-
2. Opportunities: Multifunctionality and cost mance as building skin with added functions of a build-
reduction ing construction system. Moreover, as previously dis-

Chapter 3
3. BIPV Industrial Sphere: Technology readiness, cussed, technology can be flexibly used for customising
Supply chain and Certification the architectural design of contemporary buildings.
4. Innovation landscape: Research projects & However, faster adoption of BIPV into the Indian build-

Indian BIPV roadmap Engagement of international communities

5. Defining stakeholder involvement: Need for
stakeholder awareness, extensive project plan-
ing sector requires substantial efforts at the policy level.
In this regard, Governments can pull two main levers:
support the cost-effectiveness of BIPV products
ning & execution through the implementation of subsidies (similar to
rooftop PV discussed in Chapter 1) or charge for the
(1) Perspective: Government policies, Initiatives and hidden costs of pollution and CO2 emissions in build-
Business models ings. Ideally, any plan to address climate change via
Scenario decentralised energy generation in buildings needs
Indian construction sector is expected to grow with an both. Implementing the right policies at the right time,
impressive trend, with a projection of ~45 billion square especially in the construction sector, will open the pos-
metres in floor area additions by 2060; among this, sibilities to tap our most promising and sustainable
more than 80% of floor area accounts for residential landscape for sustainable design and decentralised
buildings [1]. In this purview, India has a huge opportu- renewable generation, extracted as "The building as
nity to build new renewable energy infrastructure in a energy generation nodes". To make this possible in the
more decentralised manner via the integration of solar construction sector, Government could ensure that at
energy systems in the built environment and also with least some of these carbon costs are paid by whoever
the new building designs. To support sustainable is obligated and reduce the green premium, especially
renewable energy adoption, the Government of India for multifunctional products that offer renewable inte-
(GoI) has developed many policies and initiated inter- gration into the buildings by exploiting already built
national alliances in the energy sector; this includes the surfaces. This would, in turn, create an incentive for
handholding with International Solar Alliance for large building product manufacturers to come up with car-
scale solar adoption. Further, GoI has initiated many bon-free alternatives, for example, building construc-
bilateral programs for attaining energy efficiency in the tion/ materials leading to sustainable solutions such as
built environment, such as Indo-Swiss and Indo-US innovative BIPV products and their faster adoption in
Building Energy Efficiency Projects (BEEP). In the simi- the construction sector.
lar line, national mission mode programs such as Smart Aside from that, governments, policy advisers and poli-
Cities Mission and National Mission on Sustainable cymakers need to introduce new building energy poli-
Habitat were initiated, where share for renewables is a cies and energy-efficient city planning. Even though
 Case study: Malabar HQ, Kozhikode. 2017

The project constituted of more than 180 highest Building typology - Administrative
quality PERC solar panels installed as canopy over the
building. The solar power plant installed at the site Technological system - Canopy
helps to produce about 89,000 kWh per year and thus
annually saving around Rs 7,12,480. The solar power Active cladding surface ft2 4,500
plant helps to reduce around 44 tons of carbon dioxide
and also helps to save around 2,013 trees. The installa- Orientation ° South
tion of the solar power plant required a completion
time of two weeks. Tilt ° 8

Nominal power kWp 60

62 System power density Wp/ft2 13.3 63

Tab. 4.16 System features.

Fig. 4.14 General view. Source: Sunsenz. Tab. 4.17 Product features.

BIPV technology - Semi-transparent

glass/glass modules

Chapter 4
(325Wp per module)

PV technology - PERC, bifacial mod-

Case studies
ules
Degradation rate yr 0 % 0.70

Degradation rate yr >0 % 0.70

Customization in size - No

Customization in colour - No

Tab. 4.18 Energetic features. Fig. 4.15 Canopy, interior view. Source: Stapati.

Energy production kWh/yr 89,060

Average yearly yield kWh/kWp 1,460

Self-consumption % NA

Self-sufficiency % NA

Business model - NA

Subsidies - No

Payback time Year NA

 Case study: Sierra E-Facility HQ, Coimbatore. 2018 Case study: Desai Brothers Ltd, Sahakarnagar. 2019

The facade of the building in Coimbatore is fitted with Building typology - Commercial Discontinuous roof covered by BIPV tiles. The solar roof Building typology - Commercial
amorphous silicon BIPV modules that produce solar of the following commercial activity produces about
power energy in conditions of low light. The curtain Technological system - Curtain wall 6,000 kWh per year being oriented towards South, Technological system - Discontinuous roof
wall facade combines transparent photovoltaic glass West, East, Southwest and Southeast. The installation
with conventional glass, achieving an aesthetic and Active cladding surface ft2 580 of the tile is very simple and doesn't require the use of Active cladding surface ft2 387
functional result. Has been calculated that the yearly sealant. In the following case study, the shading losses
energy production is about 1,200 kWh. The PV glazing Orientation ° East are lowered due to the installation of bypass diodes for Orientation ° S, W, E, SW, SE
solution is a laminated safety glass with modules used each tile. The rooftop is installed in Sahakarnagar, Ban-
in standard size (4.1x6.1ft2) with medium transparen- Tilt ° 90 galore and the payback time of the solar investment is Tilt ° 25
cy. The solar capacity of the building has been com- assessed in 5-6 years.
pleted with further PV installation in the roof. The Nominal power kWp 4.3 Nominal power kWp 5
Sierra E-Facility uses environmentally friendly building
64 materials and high-performance glass. It scored 103 System power density Wp/ft2 7.4 System power density Wp/ft2 12.9 65
points in the LEED-NC rating system.
Tab. 4.1 System features. Source: Onyx Solar. Tab. 4.13 System features.
Fig. 4.1 Curtain wall. Source: Onyx Solar. Tab. 4.2 Product features. Source: Onyx Solar. Fig. 4.12 Rooftop installation. Source: Anu Solar Power. Tab. 4.14 Product features.

BIPV technology - Transparent glass BIPV technology - BIPV roof tiles

modules (medium
transparency)

PV technology - a-Si PV PV technology - c-Si

Degradation rate yr 0 % NA Degradation rate yr 0 % 0.7

Degradation rate yr >0 % NA

Degradation rate yr >0 % 0.7
Customization rate - 100% customized
in shape, thickness, Customization rate - Flexible and easy
colour, transparen- installation.
cy-degree, size and No need of sealant
finishes application

Tab. 4.3 Energetic features. Source: Onyx Solar. Fig. 4.2 a-Si BIPV glazed facade. Source: Onyx Solar. Tab. 4.15 Energetic features. Fig. 4.13 Rooftop detail. Source: Anu Solar Power.

Energy production kWh/yr 1,476 Energy production kWh/yr 6,300

Average yearly yield kWh/kWp 343 Average yearly yield kWh/kWp 1,260

Self-consumption % 100 Self-consumption % NA

Self-sufficiency % NA Self-sufficiency % NA

Business model - NA Business model - CAPEX

Subsidies - NA Subsidies - 40% tax de-

preciation
Payback time Year <16
Payback time Year 5-6
 Case study: CTRLS Datacenter, Maharashtra. 2020 Energetic and economic evaluation

The CTRLS Datacenter was renewed in 2020 with the Building typology - Commercial Energy production kWh/yr 593,014
installation of BIPV glazed modules installed on all four
facades. The installation is realized by U-Solar, a Clean Technological system - Rainscreen Average yearly yield kWh/kWp 687
Energy Eneterprise with PAN India and neighboring
country installations. The center located in Mumbai is Active cladding surface ft2 51,505 Self-consumption % 100
the largest building integrated vertical solar PV system
in India. The solar installation allowed to transform the Orientation ° NW, SW, SE, NE Self-sufficiency % 2
building in a solar power plant and drastically reduced
its energetic impact. The mono c-Si PV frameless mod- Tilt ° 90 Business model - CAPEX
ules cover a vertical surface of about 51,505 ft2 with a
system capacity of 863 kWp. The active facade area is Nominal power kWp 863 Subsidies - 40% tax
about 7-8 times of that available on the roof (this is depreciation
66 assuming all the roof is empty - which is not). System power density Wp/ ft2 17 67
The glazed PV modules have been installed on the top Payback time Year 4.3
of the previous opaque facade, by creating a ventilated Tab. 4.4 System features.
airgap between the thermal insulation and the PV Tab. 4.6 Energetic features.
panels. Indeed, the technological system is rainscreen. BIPV technology - Opaque glazed BIPV
The solar system is configured accordingly to four ori- solution without
entations: NW (252 kWp), SW (261 kWp), SE (290 thermal properties The system energy payback time, calculated by U-So-
kWp) and NE (60 kWp). The PV modules utilized are lar, is less than 5 years by assuming a total cost of
2,466 per 350 Wp. PV technology - Mono c-Si about 650 Rs/ft2, subsidies corresponding with a 40%
The energy production has been measured in more accelerated tax depreciation. The business model is
than 590 MWh per year, corresponding with an aver- Degradation rate yr 0 % 0.70 CAPEX.
age yield of almost 700 kWh/kWp. The actual energy
production corresponds with an increase by 7% of Degradation rate yr >0 % 0.70
those expected.
Considering the high energy demand of the datacen- Customization in size - No Fig. 4.5 Energy production (expected vs monitored-2020), Fig. 4.4 CTRLS BPV facade. Source: U-Solar.
ter, the self-consumption rate is 100%, which means variation over the year due to weather. Source: U-Solar.
that the total amount of energy produced by the solar Customization in colour - No
system is used outright. However, only 2% of the ener-
gy demand is supplied with renewable energy. Tab. 4.5 Product features. MWh

60
Fig. 4.3 CTRLS during the BIPV facade construction phase. Source: U-Solar.
50

40

30

20

10

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Energy production (monitored) Energy production (expected)

 Case study: Ponnore Group (Aqua Star), Kerala. 2020 Case study: BIPV Rupa Renaissance, Mumbai. 2021

This administrative building is covered with high effi- Building typology - Administrative Aelius Turbina is proud to have commissioned one of Building typology - Commercial
ciency mono PERC double glass semi-transparent India's Highest Rooftop BIPV Solar Installation at Rupa
BIPV facade facing the south and west orientation. The Technological system - Curtain wall Renaissance, Mumbai - an A+ grade commercial office Technological system - Canopy
solar power plant transforms the Ponnore Group Con- campus.
struction in a low energy building. Indeed, the energy Active cladding surface ft2 1,000 This 300 KW Solar plant has been installed with Mono Active cladding surface ft2 15,400
production, estimated in about 17,000 kWh/yr, gener- PERC cells that offer 21.2% high efficiency resulting in
ates 50% of the energy requirement of the building. Orientation ° S, E more energy generation and the space below the plant Orientation ° East, West
Considering the high yearly solar horizontal irradiation continues to be utilised fully.
of the location (about 2,000 kWh/m2/yr) and according Tilt ° 90 Key Benefits & Features: Tilt ° 3
with the calculation of the facade manufacturer, the • 40% extra energy yield in the same space.
payback time of the investment in the solar power Nominal power kWp 12.2 • Solar panel as a Roof. Savings on Metal Roofing. Nominal power kWp 300
plant is only 4.3 years by including a 40% tax • Integrated roofing with daylighting.
68 depreciation. System power density Wp/ft2 12.2 • More economical than metal roofing + solar. System power density Wp/ft2 19.5 69
• Savings on Solar module mounting structure.
Tab. 4.10 System features. • Eligible for GST Input Tax Credit Tab. 4.19 System features.
Fig. 4.10 Rendering of the curtain wall. Source: TopSun. Tab. 4.11 Product features. Tab. 4.20 Product features.

BIPV technology - Semi-transparent Fig. 4.16 Building view. Source: Aelius Turbina. BIPV technology - BIPV roof
BIPV laminated
glazing

PV technology - Mono PERC PV technology - 540 Wp Mono PERC

Degradation rate yr 0 % 0.70 Degradation rate yr 0 % 2

Degradation rate yr >0 % 0.70 Degradation rate yr >0 % 0.55

Customization in size - No Customization in size - No

Customization in colour - No Customization in colour - No

Tab. 4.12 Energetic features. Fig. 4.11 Curtain wall under construction. Source: TopSun Tab. 4.21 Energetic features. Fig. 4.17 Canopy. Source: Aelius Turbina.

Energy production kWh/yr 17,000 Energy production kWh/yr 405,000

Average yearly yield kWh/kWp 1,398 Average yearly yield kWh/kWp 1,350

Self-consumption % NA Self-consumption % 100

Self-sufficiency % 50 Self-sufficiency % 5

Business model - CAPEX Business model - CAPEX

Subsidies - 40% tax de- Subsidies - 40% tax de-

preciation preciation

Payback time Year 4.3 Payback time Year 3

 Case study: Residential villa project, Bengaluru. 2022 Energetic evaluation

Renewable energy pioneer SunEdison launched their Building typology - Residential The first aim of the ARKA PowerRoof is to provide an
new integrated solar roofing range, called the ‘ARKA aesthetic, durable & reliable roof that acts as a solar
collection’, developed in partnership with ARKA Energy, Technological system - Canopy investment for the future. The tiles are wired such that
a Silicon Valley-based startup. The ARKA collection the impact of nearby shadows are minimized, and
consists of aesthetic BIPV solutions with Mono-PERC Active cladding surface ft2 280 shaded tiles are isolated in a different string with mini-
dual glass PV tiles as the base along with a false ceiling mal impact to system performance.
and the option of a gazebo structure. Orientation ° South The southern oriented PowerRoof produces a large
The case study is a duplex villa in a luxury complex amount of electricity to satisfy the energy needs during
project in an upcoming locality in Bengaluru. The roof- Tilt ° 10 peak summer.
top area was already fitted with a 280 ft2 hexagonal This will continue to produce optimum energy during
metal gazebo structure with a fibrocement board, Nominal power kWp 4 winter months, where energy generation is boosted by
meant to be used as a recreational or garden space. the lower temperatures.
70 SunEdison saw this opportunity to install the ARKA System power density Wp/ ft2 14 Energy performance on sunny days largely mirrors the 71
PowerRoof – which consisted of a BIPV solution with a performance of regular PV systems; however, the
customized false ceiling, an inverter & necessary safety Tab. 4.7 System features. impact of shading and soiling is reduced due to the Fig. 4.8 View of the PowerRoof. Source: SunEdison.
and electrical peripherals. The client wanted the hex- usage of modular tiles.
agonal structure to remain intact but requested for a BIPV technology - Opaque dual glass The rest of the system is designed from a safety per-
wooden finish matching the building architecture. A BIPV solution with spective; lightning protection, suitable earthing as per
PowerRoof solution with a DC capacity of 4 kWp was false ceiling IS standards, and protective equipment on the DC and Energy production kWh 428.31
proposed for the location. AC side ensure low downtime. (May 2022)
The solar tiles used in the solution are homogeneously PV technology - Mono Perc MBB
black and frameless, ensuring a picture-perfect mini- Tab. 4.9 Energetic features.
malist look from the top. Below the hexagonal struc- Degradation rate yr 1-5 % 5.00
ture, one can see the wooden false ceiling fit seamless-
ly with the gazebo. The perforated metal cage covering Degradation rate yr >5 % 0.60
the inverter and switchgear is custom made to match
the overall structure. Customization in size - Yes
Tested as per BIS / IEC standards, the system can with- Fig. 4.9 PV energy production on May 2022 (monitored).
stand winds of up to 160 km/hr. The customer was Customization in colour - No
given app access allowing the monitoring of system
performance. Tab. 4.8 Product features. kWh

16
Fig. 4.6 Close-up of the PowerRoof. Source: SunEdison Fig. 4.7 . Aerial view of the PowerRoof. Source: SunEdison

12

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Energy production May 2022

 Within the existing framework of the Indian PV sector, the in India. This report discussed and presented many oppor-
essentiality of BIPV sectoral evolution is indispensable for tunities to move in the BIPV direction and have already
the coming decades of the Country's green energy uprisal. experimented with globally.
However, the Indian BIPV sector needs multi-stakeholder Further, the year 2030 also marked globally for achieving
involvement as frontline participants for its growth. Hence, United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
the requirement of awareness of the present state of the also known as the Global Goals. All United Nations Mem-
Indian BIPV sector is essential to conceptualize the factors ber States adopts sDGs as a universal call to action to end
and ideas for the future and initialize a roadmap. The " poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people
Indian BIPV Report 2022: Status and Roadmap" essen- enjoy peace and prosperity. In this regard, the global com-
tially conducts the same in consideration with the future of munity has committed to fast-track progress for those
the Indian BIPV sector. The Indian solar market potential, furthest behind first through the pledge to "Leave No One
perspectives, and financial schemes presented in the first Behind" by ensuring a time-bounded fulfilment of the
chapter draw the main traits for penetration (BI)PV in the SDGs objectives. According to the NITI Aayog's 2020 SDG
Country. The chapter also documents and exhibits the Index, India has achieved remarkable progress in the SDGs
historical development of the Indian PV sector with the related to clean energy, urban development and health.
recollection of government policies and regulations and This shows the Country's commitment to achieving ener-
72 landmarks architectures developed in the Country. The gy security, a prerequisite for socio-economic develop- 73
financial schemes that support conventional solar installa- ment, ensuring SDG 7 ("Ensure access to affordable, relia-
tions in India need to find the jumping-off point to create ble, sustainable and modern energy for all"). By 2030, the
specific support for BIPV, which represents a building SDG 7 target will be to substantially increase the share of
component combining energy production, multifunction- renewable energy in the global energy mix and double the
ality and aesthetics. The second chapter focuses on the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
technical aspects of BIPV as a building element and its As reported by IEA India Energy Outlook 2021, over the

Summary and Outlook

potential in Indian demography. The chapter also provides period to 2040, an estimated 270 million people are likely
a precise cut categorization of BIPV products, as it is cur- to be added to India's urban population, the equivalent of
rently needed, especially for India, where the ambiguity on adding a new city the size of Los Angeles every year. Most
BIPV definition prevails. The Indian BIPV roadmap, ana- of the buildings in India in 2040 have yet to be built.
lysed in the last chapter, is presented as a discussion Urbanization underpins a massive increase in total resi-
through five factual contemplation levels that represent dential floor space from less than 20 billion square meters
the resume of the report and are aimed at opening future today to more than 50 billion in two decades. This prompts
actions. From a roadmap perspective, the last chapter is enormous growth in demand for energy-intensive build-
expected to encourage actions among the various stake- ing materials. Demand for steel more than doubles to
holders of the Indian BIPV scenario towards collaboration 2040, and demand for cement nearly triples. Urbanization
among the construction and solar sectors for solid and is also a spur for the transition of household energy use
prosperous development. away from solid biomass and towards electricity [1]. The
In the coming years, India will be called upon to make a SDGs go further toward improving efficiency and the use
great effort to implement the development strategies of low-carbon technologies. The rapid growth in the
according to the international agreements, including building stock and other infrastructures will demand a
COP26. The long-term global goal of limiting the temper- range of construction materials. Also the Indian electricity
ature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels has been sector is on a solar-powered revolution with the rise of
reaffirmed. In the pact, the signatories also emphasized utility-scale renewable projects. The scope for solar to
the effort to accelerate the energy transition. The prime meet India's energy and building needs, as it can happen in
minister of India announced the climate neutrality goal by BIPV, is a key challenge to match the construction and
2070, setting a 50% of renewable energy share by 2030. solar sectoral growth in the upcoming solar urbanization
Considering the importance of the goal, India provides an of the Country. The world's progress in meeting the SDGs
excellent opportunity for contributions to the Country's largely depends on India's progress. In the battle against
energy transformation, especially in the expanding build- climate change, India's optimistic movement supporting
ing and construction sector. green energy will be favourable for future generations to
To date, India is one of the world's nations that appears to conduct a healthier and more sustainable ecosystem.
be more attractive in terms of solar investments, consider- We strongly hope that India's sun will shape its buildings
ing the potential for cost-effectiveness and the high value for years to come!
of solar irradiation. Despite the availability of an extensive
real estate portfolio, planned urban growth and very high We strongly hope that India’s sun will shape its build-
solar energy potential, BIPV is still in the experimental age ings for years to come!
 References https://wri-india.org/blog/ turing-to-enhance-India-energy-security_com- [28] EU – India Technical Cooperation Project: Ener-
cop26-unpacking-india’s-major-new-climate-tar- pressed.pdf. gy, “Grid Connected Solar Rooftop.”
gets.
PREFACE [15] Government of India and Ministry of New and [29] O. Jani et al., “Best Practice Manual for Imple-
[3] M. Safi, “India plans nearly 60% of electricity Renewable Energy, “Manufacturing.” www.mnre. mentation of State-Level Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic
[1] European Commission, “Paris Agreement.” 2015. capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2027,” 2016. https:// gov.in/solar/manufacturers-and-quality-control. Programmes in India,” 2016.
www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/21/
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 The website www.solarchitecture.ch is one of the
Acknowledgements Disclaimer communication means of the Swiss BIPV Competence
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SUPSI would like to acknowledge the Zurich Univer- The materials comprising this collaborative SUP- Here you find essential information concerning pv
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