Design and development of blockchain-enabled information management system for building integrated photovoltaic projects

Purpose Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) sector is exploring opportunities to increase stakeholder trust in and understanding of the technology via supply chain integration and effective information management. The aim of this study is to explore how blockchain technology can assist in supply chain integration and information management in BIPV projects to avoid current issues and limitations. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the current issues and limitations of BIPV projects, considering the whole project lifecycle. A case study was then carried out to assess whether blockchain applications could eliminate or reduce these issues and limitations, and to what extent this could be achieved. The selected case involved the development of a smart city featuring BIPV buildings and photovoltaic landscaping, which was complex and required multidisciplinary involvement. The study initially developed a blockchain-enabled information system based on the documentation and communication patterns of the selected project and later evaluated the system's ability in addressing or mitigating stakeholder issues and limitations. Findings The developed platform was able to provide solutions to multiple BIPV stakeholder issues, such as lack of trust, limited awareness, information gaps and lack of stakeholder connectivity along the supply chain and lifecycle by providing a single platform for information communication and systematic record keeping. Also, the common concerns stakeholders have when adopting BIPV technology, such as adequate energy generation, structural stability, fire safety and achieving value for money, were fully addressed by the platform by communicating the product specifications, certifications, testing outcomes, fire safety standards, structural standards, product performance details and the like. Most importantly, the developed platform provides high transparency of information using its distributed characteristics while delivering the required confidentiality by assigning secure channels for communication. Originality/value This study contributes to knowledge by identifying the root causes of limited BIPV uptake and proposing a system to manage these root causes. It demonstrates the importance of information management and improving the quality of information to increase BIPV uptake via addressing 16 current issues in the BIPV industry. The outcome of this study delivers a systematic way to improve BIPV information communication and supply chain integration to achieve stakeholder trust and acceptance of BIPV technology.