Market Potential of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics: a Granular Analysis of the European Building Stock

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) has gained relevance as it offers a unique solution fulfilling the role of a construction element and an energy generation device. This study aims to assess the market potential for BIPV in Europe up to 2050, covering multiple building typologies within the European building stock, for roofs and façades, under two different growth scenarios. The methodology follows a multi-step approach that is divided into two distinct sections: The first section estimates the ‘technical potential’ for PV on buildings, considering architectural and solar suitability. The second section, the ‘specific market potential’ quantifies the Total Addressable Market and Serviceable Addressable Market for BIPV, reflecting its intrinsic constraint that installations occur during new construction and renovation, and models adoption dynamics using the Diffusion of Innovations model. Through its scenarios, the project highlights the importance of regulation and higher renovation activity to unlock the potential for BIPV. Overall, BIPV can significantly contribute to Europe’s energy transition, with rooftops representing most of the potential, while façades contribute selectively where architectural integration and visibility are prioritised.