CONTEXT: URBANISATION & ENERGY DEMAND

• India’s urban population is projected to reach 850 million by 2051.
• Rooftop Solar (RTS) capacity: 17+ GW (as of April 2024), but limited by scarce shadow-free rooftop space.
• Solar targets: 300 GW by 2030 — cannot be achieved via ground/rooftop alone.
• Urban high-rises face space constraints — need land-neutral solar solutions.

CONCEPT: WHAT IS BIPV?

• BIPV = Building-Integrated Photovoltaics — solar panels embedded into architectural elements.
• Replaces conventional materials (glass, tiles, cladding) in:
  • Façades, roofs, windows, railings, balconies, canopies.
• Dual function:
  • Structural + Power generation
• Advantages:
  • Efficient surface utilisation.
  • Long-term savings despite high initial cost.
  • Customisable in colour, shape, transparency.
  • Aesthetically and functionally seamless.

CURRENT: INDIA’S BIPV PROGRESS & POTENTIAL

• Installations:
  • CtrlS Data Centre, Navi Mumbai (863 kWp).
  • Renewable Energy Museum, Kolkata.
  • Railway stations: Sahibabad, Vijayawada.
  • Jindal Steel & Power, Odisha.
• Potential:
  • 16-storey building: RTS (40 kWp) vs. BIPV façade (150 kWp).
  • Balcony-based BIPV popular in Germany — saves up to 30% on bills.
  • Estimated Indian BIPV potential: 309 GW.

Challenges

• High initial cost, policy gaps, lack of awareness.
• Absence of dedicated standards, trained manpower.
• Dependence on imports and limited incentives.

Way Forward

• Policy Integration:
  • Include BIPV in National Building Code, ECBC, Eco-Niwas Samhita.
  • Emulate Europe’s solar mandate for new buildings.
• Financial Incentives:
  • Expand PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to BIPV.
  • ₹78,000 subsidy for 3 KW — extend to commercial/industrial sectors.
  • Explore RESCO model, PPPs, long-term PPAs.
• Awareness & Innovation:
  • Launch pilot projects in public infrastructure.
  • Build indigenous supply chain via PLI & R&D.
  • Train architects, builders, urban planners.