The CIGS Building Integrated Photovoltaics: Financial Validity of Façade Applications Under Current Technological and Market Conditions

Abstract

The recent technological shift supported by the growing recognition of the public and policy makers of the renewable energy sources, fostered the employments on the uncharted markets. The energy industry increasingly affects the other sectors that were not directly related to the energy generation before. One of such examples is the construction industry which could benefit from the Building Integrated Photovoltaics. The objective of this paper is to analyze the current financial validity of the BIPV façade applications, under most recent CIGS technological advancements and market state. The topic is approached with the case study to assess the cost of investment and to learn the economic benefits through the installation life-cycle. The research indicated at economical validity of BIPV façade solution, with the IRR values reaching over 10% in case of the most optimal systems. In relation to traditional façade materials, the CIGS BIPV façade brings the substantial economic benefits to the investors, especially while being installed according to the best practices of PV system design (South, then East and West orientation). With the potential market pool of BIPV façade installations, the scale of CO2 emissions avoidance should not be neglected. In the further research, the importance of valid business models could be investigated.