A new review in Nature Reviews Clean Technology (2025) takes stock of the building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) field, covering its technological evolution, market potential, and the challenges ahead. It frames BIPV as a unique intersection of architecture and energy technology—capable of contributing significantly to the decarbonisation of buildings and cities, while reshaping how we think about the built environment.
Technology Development
BIPV has advanced from early prototypes of solar façades and roof tiles to a diverse range of products, including glass-glass laminates, coloured and semi-transparent modules, and thin-film solutions. Today, the emphasis is on multifunctionality: combining energy generation with insulation, daylighting, shading, or aesthetic finishes. The review notes that innovations in encapsulation, coatings, and module design have made BIPV increasingly adaptable to architectural needs.
Market Growth and Potential
The global market for BIPV remains small compared to conventional building-applied PV (BAPV), but momentum is building. The review points to rising demand for zero-energy buildings (ZEBs) and tightening building codes as major drivers. With policy backing, BIPV could evolve from niche applications to a mainstream solution in both new construction and retrofits. Countries with supportive frameworks—such as Italy, Switzerland, and parts of China—already show higher adoption rates.
Barriers and Challenges
Despite progress, several barriers continue to limit uptake. Certification and standardisation remain fragmented, with overlapping PV and construction requirements leading to costly, time-intensive approval processes. Economic barriers are also significant: while BIPV can offset cladding costs, the initial investment is often higher than BAPV. Knowledge gaps among architects, builders, and policymakers further slow deployment, underlining the need for cross-sector education and training.
Policy and Regulation
The review highlights the importance of coherent policy frameworks. European standards like EN 50583 and the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) provide useful models, but enforcement and integration into local building codes vary widely. Incentives designed specifically for BIPV—rather than lumping it into general PV support schemes—are recommended to accelerate market growth.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, the authors identify several priorities: improving system reliability and cost-effectiveness, developing retrofit-friendly solutions, and creating harmonised testing standards. Digital tools for design and performance simulation are also seen as key enablers, helping architects integrate BIPV at early stages. Ultimately, the review concludes, BIPV is poised to play a central role in sustainable cities—provided that technical, regulatory, and cultural barriers are addressed in tandem.
Key Takeaway
BIPV is moving closer to the mainstream but still faces hurdles in cost, standardisation, and awareness. Its promise lies in merging renewable energy generation with the very fabric of buildings—turning envelopes into active assets. As standards tighten and technologies mature, BIPV is set to become a cornerstone of low-carbon urban development.
