Press Releases
Global Solar Market Demand to Reach 100 GW in 2017
SolarPower Europe’s latest market analysis shows that annual global demand for solar power is set to reach the 100 GW level for the first time
26/10/2017
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is the technology that integrates solar elements into buildings to generate electricity. BIPV is extremely versatile: it can be applied to curved surfaces; they can be custom-made; they can be different colours or transparent so that they can be integrated into windows; and BIPV can even be made from flexible material. This wide variety of BIPV products will support energy consumers, as BIPV can adapt to the specific needs of customers.
The EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires all new buildings to be nearly zero-energy by the end of 2020. BIPV is crucial for the decarbonisation of the building stock in Europe. Today, buildings are responsible for 36% of the EU’s CO2 emissions, but buildings could supply 32% of the EU’s energy demand – if they used on-site generation installations, such as solar panels or building-integrated solar (BIPV).
Europe is a world leader in BIPV, with more than 200 products currently available on the market. The annual cumulated European installed capacity of BIPV is expected to surpass 11 GW by 2020.
The further development of the BIPV sector is very much linked to the evolution of the regulatory framework. Important pieces of European legislation have been discussed by the European Parliament and the Council including the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
The adoption of the EPBD is an important step towards smarter and more sustainable buildings and its implementation will have a direct impact in the BIPV sector. Other legislative initiatives such as the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Directives should facilitate ambitious minimum requirements for the development of renewable energies in buildings and accelerate the renovation of Europe’s existing building stock.
Join SolarPower Europe’s BIPV Task Force
SolarPower Europe works to promote the development of BIPV technologies, advocating for an ambitious vision for the decarbonisation of the building stock while pushing the interests of the European BIPV industry.
If you are interested in joining this Task Force, contact Aurélie Beauvais.
Objectives:
- Establish direct contact with European institutions to highlight current significant gaps and the need for strengthened incentives for BIPV
- Focus on industry and market development needs, taking an integrated approach over value chain, voice/expertise of the industry
- Raising visibility and awareness about the potential of BIPV to help the decarbonization goals and renewable energy targets
- Establish partnerships with cities, architects the construction and building sectors as well as other interested stakeholders.
Key activities and deliverables:
- Influence concrete European legislation to facilitate the integration of BIPV systems, targeting among others:
- Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and Smart Readiness Indicator
- Energy Efficiency Directive
- Renewable Energy Directive
- Ecodesign and energy labelling
- Construction Products Regulation
- The organisation of webinars and workshops
- Producing reports
"The time of smart and active buildings has come. As one of the key technologies for active energy generation, Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) will be essential for smart buildings and can turn buildings even energy positive"
Global Head of Strategic Marketing PV at Merck and SolarPower Europe’s BIPV Task Force leader
Beautiful building-integrated solar across Europe:
Photos: Brynseng School in Oslo, Norway (©NCC), Copenhagen International School (© CF Møller)
'Solar Skins: An opportunity for greener cities'
This report from SolarPower Europe’s BIPV Task Force demonstrates how local authorities can benefit from BIPV technologies to decarbonise their building stock and how an increased uptake of BIPV could propel a promising European-based industry, delivering local and highly skilled jobs in the energy and construction sector.
webinar: What's next for bipv in Europe?
Resources
Letters
Support an EU framework fit for the decarbonization of the building stock including renewables on-site solutions
SolarPower Europe believes that the upcoming revision of the RED and the EPBD, together with the 2030 climate change and energy transition objectives represent a
07/10/2017
News
The Coming Storm (of Legislation!)
As the long days of summer are moving behind us, the time is approaching for us to focus our energy on the forthcoming regulatory storm.
27/09/2017
Downloads
Buildings generating renewable power
SolarPower Europe BIPV Task Force presentation at the European Parliament
Links
Task Force Members
