What's New in Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BiPV)

The Hume Architectural team at Hume Building Products have collaborated with Smart Commercial Solar in the past to deliver Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BiPV)­­ projects—an innovative and sustainable energy solution, where function meets aesthetics. In this blog, we discuss the latest developments in BiPV and the key benefits for clients.

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Introduction to BiPV

What is BiPV?

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BiPV) replace conventional building materials in roofs, skylights, façades, balustrades, and other structural elements. By integrating photovoltaic technology directly into the building envelope, BiPV provides significant cost savings on traditional materials and labour.

At the core of BiPV is photovoltaic glass—typically made from laminated or insulated units with embedded PV cells. These modules can be fully customised in size, colour, transparency, and shape to meet unique design and performance requirements. BiPV offers both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits, making it ideal for new builds and refurbishments.

What clients are most suited for BiPV solutions?

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BiPV) are ideal for clients looking to seamlessly integrate solar technology into their structures. The most suited clients include:

• Architects & Developers: Those designing sustainable buildings benefit from BiPV’s ability to blend aesthetics with energy efficiency.
• Commercial Property Owners: Businesses aiming to reduce energy costs while maintaining a sleek building design find BiPV solutions highly effective.
• Government & Public Institutions: Municipal buildings, schools, and hospitals can leverage BiPV for long-term sustainability goals.
• Homeowners & Residential Projects: Individuals seeking eco-friendly homes with integrated solar solutions can use BiPV for façades, roofs, and windows.
• Industrial Facilities: Factories and warehouses with large surface areas can maximize energy generation through BiPV installations

Which countries lead the world in BiPV?

European countries currently lead global BiPV innovation, with notable projects in:

• Netherlands
• Sweden
• Italy
• Poland
• Norway
• Hungary

Nordic Choice Hotel, Solna, Sweden

Why BiPV

What are the key benefits of BiPV?

• Fully customisable in size, shape, and colour
• Replaces traditional construction materials
• Generates clean energy, lowering long-term energy costs
• Compatible with various glass types (tempered, semi-tempered, laminated, tinted)
• Available in a range of thicknesses and weights
• Combines form and function to enhance the visual and performance aspects of buildings

Why might a client choose BiPV over traditional solar?

• Suitable for spaces where traditional PV panels cannot be installed (e.g., façades, balustrades, skylights, or windows)
• Ideal for heritage buildings where preserving the external appearance is essential
• Offers dual-functionality—providing structure and energy generation in one product

What products and solutions do Hume offer in the BiPV space?

Hume offer a wide range of solutions in the BiPV space, including:

• Photovoltaic façades
• Transparent and coloured photovoltaic glass
• Ceramic inkjet printed PV glass
• Skylights, sunshades, and balustrades
• Insulated or lightweight photovoltaic modules
• Solar pavers and solar decking

the coal loader, north sydney, australia

Looking Ahead

What’s the most innovative use of BiPV you’ve seen?

• Warsaw Central Railway Station: Featuring over 12,100m² of PV skylight glass, this project turns a public transport hub into a modern, power-generating structure.
• Wisnicz Castle Museum: A restoration that integrates transparent PV glass into historic architecture, maintaining aesthetic integrity while generating power.

What products and solutions are coming in the future or under development now?

QUANTUM REVOLUTION IN GLOBAL CONSTRUCTION

Innovative glass with quantum dots layer is the first and only solution on a global scale which, thanks to the use of a coating consisting of quantum dots on the glass, allows to generate free electricity from the sun, while limiting harmful UV and IR radiation. Glass with quantum coating has very good parameters of light transmission, while maintaining a high thermal insulation coefficient. This innovative solution reduces overheating of rooms, as well as the effect of the so-called urban heat Island (UHI). It is a breakthrough in the energy balance of cities, with a wide range of application possibilities, such as:

• Building façades and curtain walls
• Roof glazing (skylights)
• Glass railings, conservatories
• Glass of mobile devices
• Unusual projects, e.g. glass bridges, glass stairs, glass floors
• Special use (medicine, military, aviation)

How do you see BiPV solutions contributing to decarbonising the world?

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BiPV) are a game-changer in the global push for decarbonisation. By embedding solar technology directly into urban infrastructure, BiPV solutions contribute to sustainability in several ways:

1. Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependence: BiPV enables buildings to generate their own renewable energy, reducing reliance on coal, gas, and other carbon-intensive sources. This decentralised energy production helps cities transition toward net-zero emissions.

2. Enhancing Energy Efficiency: Unlike traditional solar panels, BiPV integrates seamlessly into building materials—such as façades, windows, and roofs—allowing structures to produce electricity without requiring additional space. This dual functionality improves energy efficiency while maintaining architectural aesthetics.

3. Supporting Net-Zero Cities: Studies suggest that widespread adoption of BiPV could help cities achieve near-zero energy status by 2030. By embedding solar technology into urban landscapes, BiPV reduces the carbon footprint of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

4. Urban Sustainability & Smart Cities: BiPV solutions complement nature-based designs, creating greener cities that harmonise with the environment. Innovations such as coloured solar glass and transparent PV panels allow architects to integrate solar power without compromising design integrity.