Why in NEWS
India’s rapid urbanisation and limited rooftop space have made conventional solar installations less viable. Experts are now turning to Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) as an efficient, land-neutral alternative that integrates solar power into urban infrastructure.
Key Terms and Concepts
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) | Solar panels that are integrated directly into building materials like glass, façades, or railings, replacing traditional materials while generating electricity. |
| Rooftop Solar (RTS) | Traditional solar systems installed on building rooftops for energy generation. |
| Solar PV (Photovoltaics) | Technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor-based photovoltaic cells. |
| kWp (Kilowatt peak) | The maximum output a solar system can produce under ideal conditions. |
| On-Grid System | Solar system connected to the power grid; transfers excess energy to the grid. |
| Off-Grid System | Standalone solar system with battery storage for remote or self-sustained locations. |
| Hybrid System | A solar system combining grid connection and battery storage for backup power. |
What’s the News About?
- Problem: As cities expand vertically, rooftop space is limited for solar panels.
- Solution: BIPV systems, integrated into walls, façades, or glass panels, offer a land-neutral way to generate electricity.
- Urban Demand: With population set to reach 850 million by 2051, cities need high-energy solutions beyond rooftop solar.
- Potential: A BIPV façade in a high-rise can generate 150 kWp vs. 40 kWp via rooftop solar.
- Installations: CtrlS Datacenter (Mumbai), Kolkata Renewable Museum Dome, and railway stations like Vijayawada and Sahibabad use BIPV.
- Challenges: High cost, lack of policies, dependence on imports, and low awareness are major barriers.
BIPV vs Traditional Rooftop Solar
| Feature | BIPV | RTS (Rooftop Solar) |
|---|---|---|
| Integration | Part of the building design | Added after construction |
| Functionality | Dual purpose – structure + power | Solely for power generation |
| Cost | Higher due to design integration | Lower |
| Installation | Complex, during construction | Easier retrofit to existing structures |
| Maintenance | Higher, requires special handling | Lower, regular maintenance |
Visual: Urban Energy Transition Path (Flowchart)
Urban Growth ➡️ Rooftop Limitations ➡️ Need for Land-Neutral Options ➡️ BIPV Adoption ➡️ Clean Energy + Architectural Integration ➡️ Support 300 GW Solar Goal by 2030
In a Nutshell (Memory Code)
“BIPV = Solar in Style”
Build-integrated,
Infrastructure-ready,
Power-generating,
Versatile solar!
Prelims MCQs
Q1. Which of the following statements regarding Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is/are correct?
- BIPV is a retrofit system installed on rooftops post-construction.
- BIPV modules replace building materials like façades or windows.
- BIPV is cost-effective compared to traditional rooftop solar.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 2 and 3 only
Q2. Consider the following types of solar PV systems:
- On-grid
- Off-grid
- Hybrid
Which of the following is true?
A. On-grid systems do not need batteries.
B. Off-grid systems depend on the central electricity grid.
C. Hybrid systems cannot store power.
D. On-grid systems provide power during grid failures.
Q3. What are the barriers to large-scale BIPV adoption in India?
- High capital cost
- Dedicated BIPV policies
- Low public awareness
- Domestic manufacturing dominance
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 3 and 4 only
Mains Questions
Q1. Discuss the potential of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) in addressing India’s urban energy needs. What are the challenges in its adoption?
Q2. India aims to achieve 300 GW solar capacity by 2030. Evaluate the role of BIPV as a land-neutral solution in this context.
Prelims Answers and Explanations
| Question No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | B | BIPV is integrated at the design stage, not post-construction. It replaces parts like glass or tiles. It is costlier than RTS. |
| Q2 | A | On-grid systems don’t use batteries and fail during outages. Off-grid systems are independent. Hybrid systems store power. |
| Q3 | A | High cost and low awareness are barriers. India lacks dedicated policies and depends on imports, not domestic dominance. |
