On March 7, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) and Building Technologies Office (BTO) issued a Request for Information (RFI) concerning technical and commercial challenges alongside opportunities related to building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. Both SETO and BTO have played pivotal roles in advancing research, development, demonstration, and commercialization (RDD&C) efforts on BIPV through various programs. This RFI aims to collect insights from diverse stakeholders including industry professionals, research institutions, academia, government entities, regulators, and other experts regarding BIPV technologies and market dynamics. The information gathered will help identify and quantify remaining challenges while uncovering critical opportunities to guide future strategy and program development in this domain.
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The BIPV RFI gathered 37 responses from a variety of organizations that represent BIPV stakeholders. This includes manufacturers, trade associations, utilities, architecture and engineering firms, local governments, academic institutions, research entities, national laboratories, consultants, and individuals.
RFI Categories
Responses were categorized into five different areas covering the current state of the industry, product demands, key challenges, RDD&C needs and opportunities, and stakeholder participation. Respondents mirrored their concerns around specific queries within these categories while also offering general insights that span across various issues. This summary is structured by the categories highlighted in the RFI along with the precise questions posed within it. For further details, please refer to the full questions mentioned in the RFI.
State of the industry and key domestic markets
Topic
Key Inputs and Identified Issues
Market segments actively being pursued
Products:
- Roofing elements (solar panels, metal roofs, shingles, tiles, membranes)
- Covering/Shading products (carports, awnings, sunshades)
- Glass structures (windows, glazing, curtain walls)
- Vertical elements (façades, solar walls, vestibules)
Customer segments:
- Residential buildings (single-/multi-family)
- Commercial entities
- Government, educational, healthcare sectors
- Agricultural structures and greenhouses
- Recreational areas
Largest market opportunities for BIPV
- Mostly in the commercial sector, although there’s considerable potential in residential applications.
- Key opportunities are in (1) roofing materials; (2) glass products; (3) shading structures.
Marketing and sourcing strategies for current BIPV products
Marketing:
- Major architectural publications, online platforms, and other digital channels.
- Engagement through social media.
- Participation in trade shows, architectural exhibitions, and sustainability forums.
- Networking within specific target sectors.
Product sourcing:
- Manufacturing in the U.S., Canada, and China.
- The industry remains highly concentrated with a few major players.
PV cell technologies include:
- C-Si, a-Si, mc-Si, pc-Si, CIGS, CdTe, and OPV.
Domestic manufacturing prospects
- Strategically manufacturing components close to market facilitates efficiency.
- The roofing industry is conducive to domestic production.
- Glass products are typically manufactured closer to demand, benefiting solar window and glazing-based PV products.
Advantages of regionalizing product manufacturing with end markets
- Creation of a stable domestic supply chain.
- Reduction of transportation costs and environmental impact.
- Accelerated product development cycles.
- Shorter product lead times and diminished inventory requirements.
- Enhanced local job creation and educational initiatives.
- Better alignment with regional architectural preferences and specifications.
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Product Requirements
Most competitive current BIPV products on the market
- 1. Roofing products (solar panel frames, PV shingles)
- 2. Glass products (solar windows, various glazings)
- 3. Conventional solar modules integrated into building façades.
Key product requirements for given markets
- Performance and cost-effectiveness.
- Visual aesthetics.
- Integration into existing processes.
- Reliability, durability, and safety.
- Supply chain optimization.
Challenges with building material performance requirements and rating metrics
- Lack of standardized protocols specifically tailored to the BIPV sector.
Factors limiting uptake of BIPV technologies
- High costs and pricing structures.
- Technical complexities associated with installation and maintenance.
- A shortage of expertise and educational resources.
- Obstacles related to certification and permitting.
Stakeholder engagement processes
Areas of information and knowledge gaps in the industry
- Understanding the dual value offered by BIPV products.
- Insight into the variations among BIPV products favored by certification bodies.
For further insights into the industry’s developments, feel free to reach out for more details on how to engage with solar roof tiles manufacturers.
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