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The latest report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) states that the building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) sector faces significant challenges due to the lack of clear testing and certification procedures. International consensus and harmonisation of certification processes will be crucial for the widespread adoption of this technology.
There is an urgent need to harmonise testing and certification standards for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), according to the latest report from the International Energy Agency’s Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA-PVPS).
The programme’s Task 15 report, Advancing BIPV Standardization: Addressing Regulatory Gaps and Performance Challenges, states that such standards must address electrotechnical and construction-related requirements and are crucial to reducing costs, simplifying market entry and promoting international cooperation.
The report explains that the growth of BIPV "has not always met expectations" and continues to occupy only a niche in the solar sector, with its market currently estimated at between 300 MW and 500 MW in Europe and around 2 GW worldwide.
The report cites integration issues, lack of standardisation and cost-effectiveness as the main reasons for the slow adoption of BIPV, as well as limited training of construction professionals, a shortage of qualified people combining PV and construction knowledge, and competition from traditional solutions.
“This is also related to the fact that there is a clear difference in standardisation between the two sectors of buildings and electrical equipment,” the report says. “While traditional PV has a comprehensive set of standards, BIPV continues to seek standardised tests that cover both the needs of PV and buildings and avoid duplication of similar tests.”
The report explains that BIPV regulation at the international level is still governed mainly by IEC standards for the electrical part and ISO standards for the construction part. To obtain validation and certification of their products, PV system manufacturers must carry out tests and follow compliance procedures established by both sectors, which can increase costs, delay timelines and create uncertainty in the market.
The report notes that a clear and specific standardisation framework, taking into account factors such as quality, reliability, performance and safety, is crucial for the future of BIPV, helping to unlock greater market potential and ensuring safety and quality standards.
He adds that global harmonisation across the market, by striking a balance between standardised protocols and local building regulations, will be key to ensuring consistent quality and adaptability across all regions.
Fabio Parolini, one of the authors of the report, called BIPV a key step towards unlocking the full potential of the global transition to sustainable energy. “The report underlines the urgent need to close regulatory gaps and harmonise standards for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV),” he added.
The report also details performance-based methodologies for evaluating the mechanical and electrical behavior of BIPV modules and systems, paving the way toward more efficient and reliable products.
Elsewhere in the report, IEA-PVPS says that an important step has been taken through the BIPVBOOST project, a European initiative that documents the most advanced criteria and requirements for the qualification of BIPV products and proposes initial test protocols, including operating temperatures and impact resistance testing.
“This proactive approach, which is currently being implemented in ongoing projects, aims to drive advancements in BIPV technology by fostering international consensus and facilitating seamless integration into existing regulatory frameworks, paving the way for a promising future for BIPV,” the document concludes.
The latest IEA-PVPS report follows recent publications on partially shaded PV arrays, global solar manufacturing and green hydrogen energy hubs. |
