Building Integrated Photovoltaics Market Share

Introduction: Harnessing the Future: Competitive Dynamics in Building Integrated Photovoltaics

BIPV is a market which is experiencing the most intense competition in its history, thanks to the rapid development of technology, the evolution of regulations, and the ever-increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions. In this context, the major players, the manufacturers, the IT integrators, and the service suppliers are all competing to be first to market by using new tools such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and advanced automation. These differentiating factors not only enhance operating efficiency, they also enable them to offer customers a wide range of bespoke energy solutions to meet their individual requirements. The emergence of new players, especially in the green economy, is reshaping the business models of established companies, which are compelled to change their strategies. The geographical opportunities are growing, particularly in North America and Europe, and the strategic deployment is increasingly oriented towards integrating the sustainable energy solutions in urban development projects. Consequently, a deep understanding of the competitive positioning and technological developments is essential to seize the opportunities of the future.

Competitive Positioning

Full-Suite Integrators

These suppliers are able to provide a total solution combining the BIPV technology with the building and the energy systems.

Specialized Technology Vendors

These companies focus on niche technologies and innovative materials for BIPV applications.

Infrastructure & Equipment Providers

These vendors supply the necessary infrastructure and equipment to support BIPV installations.

Emerging Players

These vendors are gaining traction with innovative approaches and technologies in the BIPV market.

Emerging Players & Regional Champions

• SolarCity (US): specializes in the production of solar tiles and integrated solutions for private roofs. Recently, it has entered into agreements with large real-estate companies to include solar roofs in new developments. This is a challenge to both established roof-tile manufacturers and the established manufacturers of solar cells.
• Sika AG (Switzerland): with its innovations in BIPV, incorporated in e.g. membranes and coatings, it has won important orders in Europe for large-scale projects, thereby complementing the building materials industry with energy-generating products.
• - SolteQ Europe (the Netherlands): focuses on aesthetic BIPV products, which fit perfectly into the architectural design, and has recently completed a number of urban projects, thereby positioning itself as a competitor to conventional solar companies by putting an emphasis on design and integration.
• Onyx Solar (Spain) – With its special glass for facades and roofs, it has already successfully completed several projects in high-profile buildings in Europe, and is thereby challenging the established glass manufacturers with energy-generating alternatives.
• SunPower (US): Known for high-efficiency solar cells, now also expanding into BIPV with integrated solar shingles, launched a pilot project in California, complementing the conventional solar industry and competing with the established BIPV players.

Regional Trends: In 2024, the use of BIPVs in Europe and North America will be considerably augmented by the imposition of stringent building regulations and by the growing emphasis on sustainable development. The specialisation of building technology is shifting towards the integration of aesthetics, multi-functionality, energy-efficiency and architectural consistency.

Collaborations & M&A Movements

• In January of this year, the two companies entered into a partnership, with the aim of combining SunPower’s solar cells with the power-generating products of the company. The aim was to increase energy efficiency and to extend the market for the home. The aim was also to increase the share of the two companies in the building-integrated photovoltaic market, which is growing rapidly.
• Earlier in the year First Solar acquired a stake in a leading manufacturer of glass for integrating photovoltaic cells. This investment will strengthen First Solar's position in the market for photovoltaic cells, and will enhance its competitiveness in the growing field of sustainable building.
• A partnership was subsequently established between Saint-Gobain and Solaria for the purpose of developing advanced building materials incorporating photovoltaic elements, in order to meet the increasing demand for energy-saving constructions and to strengthen their presence in the European building-integrated photovoltaics sector.

Competitive Summary Table

Conclusion: Navigating the BIPV Competitive Landscape

The BIPV market will be extremely competitive and fragmented by 2024, with both established and newcomers competing for market share. In terms of geography, the trend towards greater energy efficiency and increased emphasis on sustainability is evident in Europe and North America, where the regulatory framework is increasingly supportive of BIPV. Strategically, the leading companies will continue to focus on the development of advanced capabilities such as AI for predictive modelling, automation for accelerated production, and a high degree of design flexibility to meet the diverse architectural requirements of their customers. In terms of product offerings, the ability to embed a high degree of sustainability will be a key differentiator, as consumers and businesses continue to place a high priority on the integration of eco-friendly solutions. The evolution of the BIPV market is a good opportunity for companies to build their capabilities in order to establish a leadership position.