16% growth! BIPV market explodes-solar parking spaces and solar carports as the key to success

The market for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and the role of solar carports

The market for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is experiencing dynamic growth, driven by technological innovations and global demand for sustainable energy solutions. Solar carports are a particularly strong growth segment within this market, gaining increasing popularity due to their multifunctional features.

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• Architects love them: Aesthetic variety with semi-transparent double-glass solar modules for solar carports and terraces

Market forecasts and growth

The global market size for GIPV is projected to reach US$13.02 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16% between 2021 and 2028. Several factors are contributing to this increase:

• Solar carports as an integrated solution: They combine parking space roofs with energy generation and can be used for both commercial and private purposes.
• Sustainable architecture: The demand for visually appealing solar systems for commercial and residential buildings is increasing, opening up new markets for BIPV.
• Government support programs: Subsidies and incentives in many countries accelerate market penetration.

Technological drivers

Technological development in the BIPV sector significantly contributes to increased performance and market acceptance. Key innovations include:

• Bifacial modules: These increase energy yield by up to 30% by absorbing light from both the front and back. This is particularly advantageous for solar carports, which often have reflective surfaces such as asphalt or concrete.
• Intelligent energy storage systems: They optimize the use of surplus energy, ensure grid stabilization and can serve as emergency power supplies.
• Semi-transparent BIPV glass: This technology makes it possible to use daylight in buildings while simultaneously generating energy, which is particularly attractive for facades and roofs.

Regional priorities

• Europe: The region is taking a pioneering role through strict climate targets and ambitious construction projects. One example is Solarstone's BIPV factory, which produces 13,000 modules per month.
• Asia-Pacific: The region dominates the market, particularly China, where urbanization and government support programs are driving growth. Japan and South Korea are increasingly focusing on off-grid energy solutions.
• North America: There is increasing investment in sustainable building projects, particularly in the USA, where states like California have strict solar requirements.

Economic and ecological benefits

• Cost savings: BIPV systems replace traditional building materials and reduce construction and energy costs in the long term.
• CO₂ reduction: One example is a 6.2 MW solar carport from Tata Power, which saves around 7,000 tons of CO₂ annually.
• Increased property value: Sustainable buildings with integrated PV solutions are increasingly in demand and achieve higher market values.

Market leaders and competition

• BIPV manufacturers: Companies such as ONYX Solar, Solarday and AGC Inc. are driving innovation and focusing on glass-glass modules and colored PV solutions.
• Solar carport specialists: Tesla, Solarstone and Mibet offer modular and certified systems that can be flexibly adapted.
• Automobile manufacturers: Some manufacturers, such as Toyota and Hyundai, are researching the integration of solar cells into vehicle bodies and sunroofs.

1.82 billion by 2033: The rise of the solar parking market

The solar parking and solar carport market is projected to grow to US$1.82 billion by 2033 (CAGR 10.2%), with the Asia-Pacific region continuing to show the greatest potential. The integration of architecture and sustainable energy will increasingly influence urban infrastructure.

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• Solar parking lot: Solar carports and solar parking lot systems - the sustainable type of photovoltaics on asphalt surfaces

The impact of glass-glass PERC BIPV modules on the market

Technological advances

Glass-glass PERC BIPV modules are an example of the market's innovative strength. These modules offer several advantages:

• Increased efficiency: One example is the PERC-BIPV module from Solarday with an efficiency of 17.98%, which combines monocrystalline cells with glass-glass technology.
• Improved temperature stability: Thanks to a temperature coefficient of -0.39%/°C, performance remains stable even at high temperatures.

Design and integration

• Color variations: Modules are available in various colors (e.g. red, green, gold, grey), which allows for architectural diversity.
• Semi-transparent systems: These offer a harmonious combination of natural lighting and power generation.

Impact on market dynamics

Thin-film BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) has a significant impact on market dynamics. Material cost reductions of 20–30% lower manufacturing costs and make this technology more economically attractive, while flexible application options promote its use in various emerging sectors such as the automotive industry, commercial building facades, and luxury real estate. At the same time, the Asia-Pacific region, with a 50% market share, is driving global expansion, supported by strong urbanization trends and ambitious environmental targets. These factors together create a strong foundation for sustainable market growth and competitive advantages in the construction and energy sectors.

Environmental and economic factors

• CO₂ savings: Glass-glass modules save 7.5–12.5% ​​more CO₂ than conventional glass-foil modules.
• Additional features: In addition to generating electricity, they also offer thermal insulation and soundproofing (up to 40 dB for Sunovation modules).

Corporate initiatives

• Tesla: Develops solar roof tiles that combine aesthetics and energy self-sufficiency.
• AGC Inc.: Developing BIPV glass for the Punggol Campus in Singapore, which is expected to meet 30% of the energy demand.

The future of construction: BIPV technologies are driving the solar building revolution.

The combination of performance, design flexibility, and sustainability makes BIPV technologies an essential component of the solar building revolution. In the coming years, the market will continue to expand due to innovations in materials technology, new applications, and the increasing demand for climate-friendly solutions.

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Solar energy and architecture: The transformative force – The transformative force

The building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) market is experiencing a remarkable period of growth, fueled by a combination of groundbreaking technologies and the unstoppable global drive for sustainable energy and building solutions. Within this dynamic sector, solar carports play a key role that extends far beyond their primary function as protective parking space canopies.

Suitable for:

• The future of parking: Smart parking with solar carports and solar parking spaces in Germany

Market dynamics and growth prospects

Analysts predict an impressive volume of US$13.02 billion for the global GIPV market by 2028. This corresponds to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 16% over the period from 2021 to 2028. Several factors are contributing to this rapid growth:

Solar carports as multifunctional infrastructure

They are no longer just simple shelters. Solar carports offer a smart combination of protecting vehicles from the elements and the ability to generate clean energy at the same time. This dual function makes them an attractive option for businesses, municipalities, and private individuals.

Aesthetics and Integration

The increasing demand for solar systems that integrate seamlessly into the architecture of commercial and residential buildings is a key growth driver. BIPV offers solutions that are both functional and visually appealing.

Technological advances as catalysts

A number of technological innovations are driving the development of the BIPV market and opening up new opportunities:

Bifacial modules

These modules, which can absorb light from both sides, are a game-changer. They can increase the energy efficiency of solar carports by up to 30%. Their ability to utilize diffuse light and reflections from the ground makes them particularly efficient in environments with high albedo.

Intelligent energy storage solutions

Integrating battery storage into BIPV systems allows excess energy to be stored and released as needed. This increases grid stability and provides a reliable emergency power supply during power outages. Modern storage solutions optimize self-consumption and reduce dependence on the public grid.

Semi-transparent BIPV glass

This innovative material combines the benefits of energy generation with the ability to let natural light into buildings. It is ideal for facades, windows, and skylights, creating bright, energy-efficient interiors. Semi-transparent BIPV elements allow architects and designers to create buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and sustainable.

Regional differences and priorities

BIPV market development varies by region, with different factors influencing growth in the respective areas:

Europe as a pioneer

Europe is taking a leading role, driven by ambitious climate targets, strict building regulations, and a commitment to renewable energy. Initiatives like Solarstone's BIPV factory, which produces an impressive 13,000 modules per month, underscore Europe's dedication to BIPV. Support programs and incentives from the European Union and individual member states are further contributing to this growth.

Asia-Pacific as a growth engine

The Asia-Pacific region dominates the BIPV market, with China playing a key role. Rapid urbanization, combined with government incentive programs and investments in renewable energy, is driving growth in this region. Japan, South Korea, and India are also important markets with growing interest in BIPV solutions.

Economic and ecological benefits

BIPV systems offer a variety of economic and environmental benefits:

Cost savings

Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems can replace conventional building materials, thus reducing construction costs. Furthermore, they lower energy costs by generating clean electricity on-site. The long-term cost savings can be substantial, especially for commercial buildings with high energy consumption.

CO₂ reduction

The installation of BIPV systems contributes significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. An impressive example is a 6.2 MW solar carport from Tata Power, which is estimated to save 7,000 tons of CO₂ annually. BIPV systems make an important contribution to combating climate change and achieving sustainability goals.

Key players and innovation drivers

A number of companies play a crucial role in the further development of the BIPV market:

BIPV manufacturers

Companies like ONYX Solar, Solarday, and AGC Inc. are driving innovation in various areas, including glass-glass modules, colored PV solutions, and flexible BIPV systems. They are constantly developing new products and technologies to improve the performance, aesthetics, and applications of BIPV.

Solar carport specialists

Companies like Tesla, Solarstone, and Mibet offer modular and expandable solar carport systems, many of which have DIBt (German Institute for Building Technology) certifications. These certifications guarantee the quality and safety of the products and simplify the permitting process.

Future prospects and trends

The future of the BIPV market looks promising:

Growth potential for solar carports

Forecasts indicate that the solar carport market will reach a volume of US$1.82 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of 10.2%. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to continue to exhibit the greatest growth potential.

Integrated energy solutions

The integration of BIPV into buildings is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with architecture and sustainability going hand in hand. Integrated energy solutions that combine BIPV, energy storage, and intelligent control systems will significantly shape the transformation of urban infrastructures.

The importance of innovative products: Glass-glass PERC BIPV modules

Innovative products like the glass-glass PERC BIPV module (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) are a crucial factor in market development. These modules act as accelerators, as they address technological, aesthetic, and economic challenges simultaneously.

Technological progress in detail

Increased efficiency: Efficiency is a crucial factor for the economic viability of solar modules. For example, Solarday's PERC-BIPV module achieves an efficiency of 17.98%. The combination of monocrystalline cells with glass-glass technology results in greater durability and reduced degradation over the module's lifespan. Glass-glass modules are more resistant to environmental influences such as moisture and UV radiation, thus extending their lifespan.

Temperature stability

Solar modules tend to lose power at high temperatures. The temperature coefficient indicates how much a module's power output decreases with increasing temperature. A low temperature coefficient is therefore desirable. PERC BIPV modules typically have a temperature coefficient of around -0.39%/°C. This means that power loss in hot conditions is minimized, which is a crucial advantage for use in sunny regions.

Aesthetic integration and design flexibility

Color variations

BIPV modules are available in various colors, including red, green, gold, and gray. This color variety allows for architecturally appealing solutions that integrate seamlessly into facades or roofs. Architects and designers can use BIPV modules to create buildings that are both energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

Semi-transparent systems

Semi-transparent BIPV systems allow natural light to enter buildings while simultaneously generating electricity. These systems are ideal for curtain walls and skylights. They create bright and welcoming interiors while reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Market dynamics through innovations

The introduction of glass-glass PERC BIPV modules and other innovations has a significant impact on market dynamics:

Aspect of influence

• Cost reduction: Thin-film BIPV technologies reduce material costs by 20–30% and enable more flexible integration. This makes BIPV systems accessible for a wider range of applications.
• The versatility of BIPV (Building-in-Plug Photovoltaics) finds application in a wide range of areas, including car roofs, sunroofs in the automotive sector, and commercial curtain walls. This diversity contributes to its market penetration.
• Regional Expansion: The Asia-Pacific region dominates the market with a share of 50%, driven by Chinese urbanization and Japan's CO₂ targets.

Environmental and economic factors in detail

• CO₂ reduction: Glass-glass modules save 7.5–12.5% ​​more CO₂ than conventional glass-foil systems over their life cycle. This is due to the longer lifespan and lower degradation of glass-glass modules.
• Multiple benefits: BIPV systems offer a combination of power generation, thermal insulation, and soundproofing. For example, Sunovation modules achieve sound insulation of up to 40 dB. The combination of these functions makes BIPV systems an attractive option for energy-efficient construction.

Corporate initiatives and pioneers

• Tesla: Tesla has integrated solar cells into roof tiles to combine aesthetics and energy self-sufficiency. These solar tiles are an elegant alternative to conventional solar panels and offer seamless integration into the roof design.
• AGC Inc.: AGC Inc. developed BIPV glass for the Punggol Campus in Singapore, which opened in 2024. The BIPV system is designed to meet 30% of the campus's energy needs. This is an example of how BIPV systems can be integrated into modern buildings on a large scale.

Buildings as energy power plants: The revolution in the construction and energy world

The combination of performance, design flexibility, and sustainability positions glass-glass BIPV modules as a key technology for the solar building revolution. These innovations are driving market diversification, from the commercial sector (with a market share of 60%) to niche markets such as luxury properties and historic preservation. At the same time, they reduce the overall costs of net-zero energy buildings by up to 15% through the reduction of conventional building materials.

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is more than just a technology; it's a paradigm shift in how we design, construct, and use buildings. It's a step towards a future where buildings not only consume energy but also actively contribute to the energy transition. The continuous development of BIPV technologies and their increasing acceptance by architects, developers, and end users will ensure that BIPV plays an increasingly important role in shaping our built environment. The vision is a future where every building is a power plant, generating clean energy while simultaneously contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

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