An IEA PVPS report highlights a lack of skilled professionals across various global markets for the limited uptake of BIPV technology
It identifies 32 BIPV-related courses across 14 countries, and concluded that most treat BIPV as an elective rather than embedding it in core architecture and engineering curricula
Effective BIPV design requires expertise in façade systems, electrical engineering, materials, cost optimization, and regulation, along with early-stage collaboration, which must be factored into the courses
The report stresses that policymakers, real estate developers, and financial institutions also need greater awareness to help scale adoption
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) account for only 1% to 3% of the global PV market despite growing product availability. The International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA PVPS) lists structural barriers, including fragmented value chains, insufficient cross-sector collaboration, and a shortage of professionals trained in integrated BIPV design and implementation, as the primary reasons for its limited uptake and ‘underutilized potential’.
These factors undermine investor confidence, keeping BIPV a niche market. The lack of skilled workers is one major problem the markets are facing across the European Union (EU), the USA, India, and other countries, says IEA PVPS in a new report, while highlighting SolarPower Europe’s (SPE) Solar Jobs Report (see EU Solar Jobs Hit Record 865,000 But Decline Looms).
In its report BIPV: Education and Training Activities for Solar Architecture, IEA PVPS maps 32 active BIPV-related courses across 14 countries to ascertain education and training initiatives in this space. While some countries offer courses spanning both academic and professional spheres, the general trend is that, rather than being embedded in mainstream architectural and engineering curricula, BIPV is still an elective topic in most countries.
Traditional longer academic programs, such as postgraduate certificates, are starting to offer BIPV-related courses, but interest in them remains low.
On the other hand, learning for short-term advanced training courses is largely structured with an emphasis on experiential learning in the form of site visits, workshops, etc., which works better.
Most programs offer vocational training, and students mostly comprise professionals, particularly architects and engineers. The report found lower representation of entrepreneurs, consulting firms, and contractors among students, which also points to potential training opportunities for these groups.
Designing good BIPV systems requires knowledge across several areas, such as façade design, electrical systems, cost optimization, regulations, and solar materials. Professionals also need to understand how to integrate solar early in the building design process and work closely with different teams. According to the report writers, training should not only teach technical skills but also how to explain the long-term benefits of BIPV to clients and investors.
They stress that many university programs in architecture, urban design, and building technology still need to better include active solar systems like BIPV, especially with regard to sustainability and circular design. BIPV is currently only briefly covered in courses, but their number remains low, and these are not consistent across universities or countries, even though they are significant in planning sustainable cities.
Because real BIPV projects are handled case to case, there is confusion about professional roles and best practices. Upskilling programs can help professionals adapt to the changing demands of sustainable construction.
Improving BIPV education could help expand the use of solar technologies in buildings and support innovation in complex, modern urban design, highlights the report.
Finally, IEA PVPS emphasizes that BIPV education should not focus only on architects and engineers. Policymakers, real estate players, and financial institutions also need awareness and understanding, as they influence the extent of BIPV adoption.
Lead Author of the latest IEA PVPS report on BIPV, Pierluigi Bonomo said, “BIPV has the potential to transform the building envelope into an active energy-generating component. However, without a skilled and interdisciplinary workforce, this potential cannot be realised at scale.”
Published under IEA PVPS Task 15, the report is available for free download on its website.
IEA PVPS has previously explored BIPV digitalization, its regulatory frameworks, and industry partnerships, along with market-specific potential of this technology in its previous reports (see IEA PVPS Proposes Stronger Partnerships To Drive BIPV Growth).