Context: Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is an emerging alternative to conventional rooftop solar power installations.
Relevance of the Topic : Prelims: Key facts about BIPVs- benefits, challenges.
- With over 17 GW of installed rooftop solar (RTS) capacity as of April 2025, India has made commendable progress in its renewable energy mission.
- In space-starved urban areas, RTS systems face limitations due to insufficient shadow-free rooftop space. Nearby buildings, trees, water tanks etc. obstruct the direct sunlight. This structural challenge necessitates a shift from conventional rooftop installations to Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
- BIPV are solar panels integrated into the structure of buildings, such as facades, roofs, windows, and balconies, replacing conventional construction materials while simultaneously generating electricity.
Benefits of BIPV:
- Dual Use: Generating electricity and also working as a structural part of a building. BIPV can turn entire buildings into power generators by integrating solar elements directly into architectural elements. This needs replacing conventional construction materials such as glass, tiles, and cladding with solar alternatives.
- Efficient Space utilisation: In space-constrained high-rises, BIPV can generate 3-4 times more power by utilising facades and other building surfaces, compared to limited rooftop solar capacity.
- Inclusive Solar access: BIPV enables solar adoption beyond rooftops, ideal for independent homes and apartments with no roof access. Balcony-integrated systems, already popular in Germany, can help households save up to 30% on electricity bills.
What is the status of BIPVs in India?
- India has some BIPV installations. E.g., Datacenters building in Navi Mumbai, Renewable Energy Museum in Kolkata, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd. facility in Angul, Odisha (hosts one of the largest BIPV installations in India), and is also incorporated into some railway stations.
- However, BIPVs adoption in India has been limited by high initial costs, policy gaps, inadequate technical capacity, and reliance on imports. Low awareness, lack of dedicated incentives, and absence of clear standards also pushed BIPV out of early building-design considerations.
How can BIPV uptake be scaled up?
- Expand Financial Incentives: Increase subsidies for BIPV under schemes like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (currently ₹78,000 for a 3-kW system). Introduce dedicated incentive schemes for commercial and industrial BIPV adoption, similar to Seoul’s model with up to 80% subsidy.
- Policy Integration: Integrate BIPV in the National Building Code, Energy Conservation Building Code, and Eco Niwas Samhita.
- Pilot Projects: Demonstrating BIPV through pilot projects in public infrastructure (via public-private partnerships) can improve visibility and catalyse wider acceptance.
- Boost Local Manufacturing: Extend PLI schemes and invest in R&D for customised, India-specific BIPV products.
- Awareness & Capacity Building: Train architects, planners, and builders; run public campaigns to mainstream BIPV.
- Innovative Financing Models: Financial arrangements such as Renewable Energy Service Company model, and long-term power purchase agreements can help enhance project reliability and enable large-scale BIPV deployment.
- Adapt successful global models such as- Europe’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive mandating solar use in new buildings. South Korea’s urban solar subsidies, making BIPV cost-competitive in cityscapes.
To achieve its 300 GW solar target by 2030, India must look beyond rooftops and embrace land-neutral solutions like BIPV, which has an estimated 309 GW potential in existing buildings alone.