Introduction: BIPV system integrators, with high technical barriers, include photovoltaic and construction firms. The former sells custom BIPV products and handles integration, while the latter, leaders in building sectors, focus on enclosures and structures. With the push for carbon neutrality, relying only on photovoltaic roofs is insufficient. Future BIPV will extend beyond roofs to building facades, meeting evolving electricity needs.
What is BIPV
BIPV generally refers to building integrated photovoltaics. It is a technology that integrates solar power generation (photovoltaic) products into buildings. Simultaneously, it serves as a functional part of the building structure, replacing certain traditional architectural elements such as roofs, building facades, canopies, and more.
① PV roof
With a large lighting area, it is economically optimal from the perspective of power generation.
② PV rain curtain
The combination of PV and flashing boards can protect the exterior walls of buildings from damage caused by rain and other weather.
③ PV sun shield
It is installed as a sunshade structure of the building body and different forms of PV modules can be adopted.
④ PV skylight
It has light transmittance, and can also provide rain protection and heat preservation.
⑤ Pre-fabricated PV panel
It’s installed on the facades of buildings or roof plans.
⑥ PV curtain wall
Though it deviated from the best installation site compared with the roof, its large surface area can make up for the loss of power due to the lack of light
Types of BIPV
There are many types of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). They are classified differently according to battery type, application scope, and product appearance. The following are some common BIPV types:
PV Roof Panel
The PV Tile Roof System, replacing the traditional combination of PV panels and brackets, adopts an appearance identical to regular tiles. Utilizing flat photovoltaic tiles, it seamlessly integrates with the architecture.
Transparent PV Curtain wall/ Roof tile
Sunlight-penetrating photovoltaic glass, suitable for greenhouses and sunrooms.
Photovoltaic Curtain Wall Facade
Colored photovoltaic curtain wall panels, designed to be aesthetically pleasing and harmonious, not only provide energy-saving functionality but also impart a modern and distinctive appearance to the building.
Thin-film solar cell:
CdTe(Cadmium telluride) transparent power-generating clear PV glass
This technology involves incorporating a thin film within the glass, with the CdTe thin layer designed to capture and convert solar photons into electrical energy.
CIGS Flexible Module
CIGS refers to Copper, Indium, Gallium, and Selenium. This is a thin-film solar cell technology that involves applying this compound to a flexible substrate to create photovoltaic modules.
Unlike traditional silicon-based solar cells, CIGS technology can produce thinner, lighter and more flexible photovoltaic modules. This makes CIGS flexible components ideal for applications with curved or irregular surfaces, such as curved facades, roofs, or other non-traditional solar scenarios in buildings.
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Top 10 BESS Solution Vendors of 2024:
First Solar Inc
Founded in 1990 by Harold McMaster and JD Polk, First Solar, Inc. is a leading U.S. solar panel manufacturer and provider of utility-scale photovoltaic power plants. The company specializes in rigid thin-film modules using cadmium telluride (CdTe) as a semiconductor and provides comprehensive services for utility-scale projects, including finance, construction, maintenance and end-of-life panel recycling. First Solar was listed on Nasdaq in 2006 and is currently headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. Mark Widmar has served as CEO since July 1, 2016.
Mitrex Integrated Solar Technology Inc
Mitrex is a solar technology company based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The company specializes in providing building facades, roofs, and panels integrated with solar technology.
These systems boast frameless modules, concealed mounting, and uniform surfaces, and can be customized to mimic the appearance of various materials or colors.
Onyx Solar
Established in 2009 in Ávila, Spain, Onyx Solar is a leading solar energy company specializing in Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Renowned for innovative energy solutions, Onyx Solar collaborates with prestigious universities like UPM, MIT, and the University of Barcelona. Their PV glass is used globally in projects such as the Miami Heat Stadium, the Dubai Frame, the Science Pyramid in Colorado, and the award-winning residential building, The General, in Northcote, Australia.
SoliTek UAB
SoliTek is a leading creator of solar energy solutions, the largest solar module manufacturer, and the sole battery producer in Northern Europe. In Lithuania, the company not only has manufacturing facilities but also 11 teams dedicated to installing solar power plants, batteries, and EV charging stations. The SoliTek team handles design, all necessary calculations, and measurements, and assists in preparing documentation for applications to ESO and APVA
Roofit.Solar
Based in Tallinn, Harjumaa, Estonia, this company stands as a leading force in the solar energy sector. Renowned for its expertise in manufacturing solar modules, it specializes in delivering innovative solutions, including aesthetic solar roofs, Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), and Integrated PV modules. The company’s commitment to sustainable energy is evident in its impactful contributions to the field of solar module manufacturing.
Envelon
ENVELON, part of the Grenzebach Group since 2021, merges extensive experience in solar and façade with Grenzebach’s engineering and expertise in glass production and industrial automation. It offers a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing energy solution for various properties, allowing businesses to efficiently generate power on-site.
Solar lab
SolarLab.dk creates custom solar facades with unmatched design freedom, resilience, and positive ROI. Designed and made in Denmark, SolarLab.dk has successfully installed one of the world’s largest building-integrated photovoltaic installations at Copenhagen International Schools. With 12,000 custom BIPV panels, it showcases the system’s effectiveness, ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetic flexibility in various architectural contexts across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Holland.
Hanergy Holding Group Ltd
Hanergy Holding Group Ltd., headquartered in Beijing, is a Chinese multinational company concentrated on the thin-film solar value chain, encompassing manufacturing and solar park development.
Hanergy specializes in the thin-film solar value chain, engaging in the manufacturing of solar modules and equipment, and the development of solar parks. The company is at the forefront of technologies such as copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), gallium arsenide (GaAs), and silicon heterojunction thin-film technologies.
Hanergy operates as an original equipment manufacturer, producing thin-film components for diverse automotive companies, including collaborations with Audi, FAW-Volkswagen, Guangqi Honda, Tesla, and Bolloré, as well as domestic manufacturers like BAIC. Beyond automotive, it extends partnerships with entities such as NASA, Boeing, DHL, Ikea, and Deuter to pioneer solar-powered services.
Solarstone
Established in 2015 in Viljandi, Estonia, Solarstone OÜ, led by CEO Silver Aednik, specializes in building integrated solar panels. In July 2022, it secured EUR 10 million in venture funding. By August 2022, the company completed 180+ projects across 7 countries, offering products like solar roofs, framing kits, tiles, and PV systems for on/off-grid storage.
HIITIO New Energy
Established in 2009, Zhejiang HIITIO New Energy is headquartered in Hangzhou, China, with a manufacturing facility in Xuancheng. As a leading manufacturer of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), it specializes in extending clean energy generation to your curtain walls, siding, roofs, CIGS flexible PV module, plane PV tile, and even metal PV tile.
Their commitment lies in seamlessly combining highly efficient BIPV system technology with aesthetic design. They provide comprehensive solutions to meet the diverse needs of their clients.
Bottom Line
In 2024, the competitive landscape of BIPV manufacturers is undergoing unpredictable changes. Through relentless efforts and innovation, companies are collectively driving the development of solar building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology. The competition among these manufacturers extends beyond technological advancements, playing a crucial role in constructing a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Curious to learn more about the latest developments among BIPV manufacturers and solar technology? Stay tuned to our website for the most cutting-edge information!
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